An animal charity has issued a warning after taking in the 'worst bred dogs' it has ever seen.
Hope Rescue, in Llanharan, South Wales, has taken in 10 bulldogs after a local authority seized them on welfare grounds.
The two adults and eight puppies have a catalogue of health issues and while some can be fixed, many will remain with them for the rest of their lives.
Their health issues are the result of low welfare breeding and inherent breed-related conditions.
A Hope Rescue spokeswoman said: "We’re pretty tough at Hope Rescue, but our rescue-hardened hearts have been well and truly broken by these dogs.
"Their health issues include cherry eye, entropion, inverted corkscrew tails, skin conditions, excessive folds and wrinkles and most worryingly, significant conformation issues with their legs, spines and hips. That’s before we’ve even considered their breathing issues.”
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The health issues Hope Rescue can "fix” will only ever be improvements, meaning these dogs will never fully function as "normal” dogs.
The rescue centre claims it is integral for buyers to change their buying behaviours or risk this breed continuing to endure a lifetime of suffering.
"It’s hard for us not to be sympathetic with calls to ban the breed, especially after seeing the horrendous condition of this latest intake," she added.
"If things don’t change, we will be joining those calls. Its vital buyers don’t facilitate the breeding of brachycephalic breeds with exaggerated features and choose breeders who prioritise health before profit. We cannot continue to take in these dogs and witness their suffering.”
However, they are not the only bulldogs Hope Rescue currently has in their care.
Blackcurrant, Raspberry, Norma, DeeDee and Dill are also being looked after by the charity and all are examples of horrific breeding practices and low welfare breeders prioritising "wealth not health".
The reality for these dogs now is investigative tests, X-rays and surgeries, that’ll likely cost Hope Rescue an estimated £20,000.
She said: "While low welfare breeders are pocketing huge profits, it’s animal welfare organisations like Hope Rescue that are picking up the pieces, financially and emotionally.
"It’s difficult for us to fundraise right now due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis but if the public could help in any way, helping us to cover our vet fees, we’d be hugely grateful.”
The rescue centre will be looking for foster homes for these dogs as they start to work through their health issues and prepare them for life as pets.
If you live in South Wales and are interested in fostering a dog from Hope Rescue, visit their website for more information.
Do you have a dog story to share? Email paige.freshwater@reachplc.com.
