ST ERTH, UK — Devon and Cornwall Police and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals responded to reports of animal welfare concerns at a vacant housing development on Chenhalls Road on Aug. 1, removing a dog from Victoria Morrall, 39, and David Antram, 61, who had been living on the abandoned site.
Morrall and Antram moved into one of the 10 empty properties last year, making them the sole residents of the estate. The development has remained unfinished and unoccupied for nearly a decade. The couple had previously lived in a caravan.
Morrall said the couple was "tricked into renting the house" and believed they were performing a "paid security job" for the site. They maintain their presence provided security for the abandoned properties.
Residents of St Erth said the couple made the village an intimidating place and called for their eviction.
An RSPCA spokesperson confirmed an officer attended the property on Aug. 1. Police assisted in removing the dog, which was placed into RSPCA care. Inquiries into the animals' welfare are ongoing.
Morrall contested the animal welfare reports, telling Cornwall Live that the dog was left for four hours while she and Antram attended a funeral. She added that either her mother or neighbors fed the animals daily.
Morrall attributed the local opposition to prejudice, saying residents "don't like us because they think we're gypsies or druggies." She described the locals' perception of them as "just squatters."
A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesman confirmed officers attended the scene following a report of a dog and ponies left at an unfinished building site and that an officer assisted in removing the dog.
One local resident said the couple "shouldn't be there anyway" as squatters. Another questioned why the council and community ignored vandalism and theft at the site for 10 years but acted when "homeless people try and actually live there."
Other villagers voiced skepticism about the couple's claim of providing security. One resident questioned how any animal rescue organization would permit them to have animals. Morrall said she is awaiting a call from the RSPCA to reclaim her dog and that she and Antram are "slowly moving out of the estate."
