An RSPCA spokesman said: “The operation to remove a number of dogs from a property in March has now concluded and 34 animals have been placed in the care of the RSPCA and are in a place of safety.”

Robert Phipps has with the help of a team of volunteers looked after dogs at his warehouse for about 18 months.

He said: “We are yet another small dog rescue victimised by the RSPCA. Where were they when these dogs needed them and their owners phoned up asking for help or they were found stray and under-weight?

“We don’t believe in kennels as they’re out dated and stress the dogs out so all ours are crated or loose in packs and all are clean happy and healthy.

“There were no issues with animal welfare. The dogs were healthy. We will fight this and we will win.”

Mr Phipps said the issue over Commercial Road arose after he was told by Fenland Council that he needed planning consent to run a pet rescue centre from a factory style unit.

He was now hoping “to resolve this matter in a mature fashion and to get the dogs back safely with us where they belong.”

In the space of 48 hours Mr Phipps won support from hundreds of people who have supported his pet rescue since it was launched including those who had raised money for the centre and many who had volunteered to help walk the dogs housed there.

He is also looking at other offers of support which include the possibility of finding alternative premises where he can care for the dogs.

He said among offers of support flooding in was the pledge “by a lovely couple who are proud to help the community and have offered us a new home for the rescue with lots of space for the dogs.