Dogs 'doused in petrol and set on fire' in 'arson attack' on kennels

Two people have been arrested after eight dogs were doused in petrol and burned alive in a horrifying arson attack.

Owners were heartbroken at waking to see flames rising from the family kennels - and hearing the dogs howl in pain.

Police launched an investigation into the blaze after firefighters ruled it was started on purpose - and have arrested a 25-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy.

Kennel owner Emma Frowen, 42, said two French bull dogs, a pregnant cocker spaniel, a bull cross and three bull greyhounds died in the blaze which started at around 2am on Sunday, July 17.

Mum-of-three Ms Frowen said: 'We could see all the sheds where all the dogs were, flames as high as the house - and everything up in flames.'

The dogs - some who belonged to friends - were being held at the kennels at an allotment close to the family's home in Rhymney, Caerphilly.

When they arrived at the scene neighbours had called the fire brigade and their was a desperate bid to save the pups.

She said: 'My son tried kicking the doors open, trying to rip them open, but he was burning his hands.'

Ms Frowen's other son also attempted to run in and help but burned his hands.

She said: 'The fire brigade came and you could still hear the dogs screaming and yapping and then all of a sudden you couldn't hear anything. They were all dead.'

'We weren't allowed in there because the roof had collapsed. We weren't allowed to touch the dogs until forensics came.'

She was later given sheets and blankets to carry the burned bodies out of the ruined kennels.

One dog managed to escape from the kennels but was later found with 80 per cent burns and needed to be put down.