This week, we've received the worst bred intake of dogs we've seen in Hope Rescue's 17-year history.

10 bulldogs were signed over to Hope Rescue by a local authority this week after they were seized on welfare grounds. This seizure follows new research from the Royal Veterinary College that concluded that the flat faces bred into bulldogs can cause a "lifetime of suffering" and vets are urging people not to buy one: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-61799718

The two adults and 8 young dogs received by Hope Rescue came in with a catalogue of health issues, some of which can be fixed but many that’ll remain with these dogs for life. These health issues are the result of low welfare breeding and inherent breed-related conditions.

“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, spine’s and hips. That’s all before we’ve even considered their breathing issues. We honestly cannot begin to describe the impact these dogs have had on our team.”

The health issues we can “fix” will still only ever be ‘improvements’ meaning these dogs will never fully function as “normal” dogs and lifetime management will be essential and potentially costly, which can cause further issues when we attempt to rehome these dogs.

The researcher from the Royal Veterinary College are urging the public to think twice before buying a flat-faced breed and recognise that they have “a huge role to play by demanding dogs with moderate and healthier conformations.” Hope’s stance is that it’s 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. If things don’t change, we will be joining those calls. It’s 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.”

This latest intake of dogs are not the only bulldogs we currently have in our care. Blackcurrant, Raspberry, Norma, DeeDee and Dill are also being looked after by us and all are examples of horrific breeding practices and low welfare breeders prioritising #WealthNotHealth.

The reality for these dogs now are investigative tests, X-rays and surgeries, that’ll likely cost us an estimated £20,000. 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 anyway, helping us to cover our vet fees, we’d be hugely grateful.”

You can call 01443 226659 to donate over the phone, donate directly via our Facebook appeal via our website appeal page or text BULLDOG followed by your donation amount to 70085 to give that amount. Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate, and you’ll be opting in to hear more from us. If you’d like to donate but don’t wish to hear more from us, text BULLDOGNOINFO.

We will be looking for foster homes for these dogs as we start to work through their health issues and prepare them for life as cherished pets. If you are local to South Wales, then you can find out more info here.