Hope Rescue recently supported Animal Licensing Wales by taking in 14 dogs and puppies that had been relinquished from an overwhelmed licensed breeder.

The dogs included one that was pregnant and a litter of five puppies less than a week old. All needed medical attention and had clearly been kept in low welfare conditions, resulting in matted and dirty coats, infestation by fleas, and dental issues.

Mum to the week-old pups is Jacinta (pictured), a five-year-old Bichon Frise who was in a weakened state on arrival. She was infested with fleas and ear mites, and had patches of fur missing, leaving large reddened and sore areas. Jacinta only had a bodyscore of 2 out of 9, was very malnourished, and trying to provide for her young pups.

She has now moved to a foster home

Settling and treating Jacinta was a priority as she had five very young pups to feed and was in such a poor condition.

Skin ailments were common to several of the other dogs, including five-year-old Bichon Blanche, who had open sores on her ears and patches of missing fur. Six-year-old dachshund Crimson also had poor skin and brown discharge from both ears.

All of the dogs were very worried and unsure of their new surroundings. This is typical in cases where breeding dogs lack socialisation, and the normal interactions that they should experience in a loving home.

Our team worked well into the evening to settle the dogs and arrange for medical treatment. Once again, our amazing volunteer network of foster homes came to our aid, offering additional space and home comforts for these bewildered dogs.

The process of socialisation and providing much-needed enrichment has now begun. There is a better future ahead for these dogs.

At Hope Rescue, we are proud to support local authorities and Animal Licensing Wales in their work to tackle low welfare breeding. We campaign for improvements to breeding laws in Wales, and better enforcement of existing legislation. This is the most effective way to ensure that dogs like Jacinta and her pups do not end up in such horrendous conditions.

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