TWO people are facing criminal charges after dozens of dogs were removed from a Central Fife charity.

Fife Dog Rescue and Rehoming Centre in Lochgelly was the subject of a petition recently which claimed the animals were being mistreated and donations from the public were being sold by the owners.

Dog’s Trust has now confirmed to the Times that 31 dogs are being cared for by the organisation.

The petition on Change.org, which at the time of writing has almost 5,000 signatures, alleges the owners have a number of unpaid bills.

The charity moved to Dunfermline where it remained until Dog’s Trust intervened.

A spokesperson for Dog’s Trust told the Times: “I can confirm that we are currently caring for 31 dogs that came from Fife Dog Rescue and as with all our dogs, we will be providing them with the care and support they need to give them every possible opportunity to find loving new homes.

“As we have very little background on these dogs, our experienced rehoming teams will be following our normal intake procedures and veterinary checks.

“Each dog will also receive a thorough behavioural assessment to help us understand more about their specific needs and what type of home might be right for them when the time comes.

“We are aware that concerns have been raised surrounding the care provided by Fife Dog Rescue.

“The most important thing for us is the safety and wellbeing of dogs and we will work with other dog welfare organisations to help as many of them as we can.”

The Scottish SPCA confirmed they were aware of allegations surrounding the centre.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 3.05pm on Friday, 30 April, police were called to a report of a disturbance at Lyneburn Industrial Estate, Halbeath Place, Dunfermline.

“Officers attended and two women, aged 25 and 57, will be the subject of a report of a report to the Procurator Fiscal in connection with the incident.”