The RSPCA has denied using AI-generated images after a photo of dozens of dogs crammed into a living room was branded fake online.
The animal charity said on its website that more than 250 poodle-cross dogs were found at one property earlier this year.
The numbers and living conditions of the dogs had rapidly grown out of control during extenuating family circumstances, the RSPCA added, saying it took in 87 dogs while the rest went to the Dogs Trust.
But after posting an image of the dogs crammed into a living room on Facebook last week, some commenters accused the charity of using artificial intelligence to generate it.
"We can confirm that AI has not been used to create this image", the RSCPA said on 2 April.
"As much as we wish this image wasn't real, sadly it very much is - and we are being called to more and more multi-animal reports like this.
"We don't need to use AI as we have countless stories to share about the animals our frontline teams are helping."
On Wednesday, RSPCA Superintendent Jo Hirst added: "This shocking image is the reality of many multi-animal cases, and the situation our frontline officers seem to be confronting more and more - with reports of cases involving 10, 20 and even 100 animals on the rise.
"We understand that people are so aghast they don't believe what they are seeing. But this photo is not AI - it's real. This is the staggering reality of what can happen when even well-meaning owners become overwhelmed - over-breeding can take over, and conditions can spiral out of control."
The charity said that in the last year, it had responded to 4,200 incidents which involved at least 10 animals at the same address across England and Wales.
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Meanwhile, it said it is dealing with a six-year high of animals in its care due to "rising cruelty and neglect", with almost half in emergency boarding as "many of the charity's centres are full to bursting point".
The RSPCA's AI policy states: "We will be transparent about our use of AI-generated imagery, clearly labelling any content that has been (wholly or partially) created using this technology.
"It also states that we will only use AI to accurately represent our work and our purpose. We will not use this technology to create misleading or deceptive images."
(c) Sky News 2026: RSPCA denies using AI after image of dozens of neglected dogs in living room branded fake
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