A Welsh charity has issued a devastating update on some of the dogs from the 'worst-bred intake of dogs' they have ever seen. Hope Rescue, in Llanharan, received the dogs from the local authority after they were seized on welfare grounds.
Ten English Bulldogs were signed over in total, two adults and eight puppies. After an initial review, the dogs were reported to have a number of health issues including cherry eye, invested corkscrew tails, excessive wrinkles and folds, and significant issues with their legs, spines and hips.
However, the charity has since confirmed that many are in worse condition than initially thought. A spokesperson announced: "We’re devastated to report that several of the bulldogs have been diagnosed with parvovirus. These guys have had the roughest time, and now have to deal with this as well. "
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Parvovirus is a contagious virus that can be deadly to dogs. Hope Rescue sadly lost two puppies to the disease earlier in the year after they were abandoned in a bin - read more on that here.
"Their condition was already extremely poor so the prognosis isn’t great, we’re in pieces here at the centre. We have five at the vets so far but given they all came in together it’s highly unlikely any will escape it. Please keep them in your thoughts as they battle for their lives."
The dogs have been in the safe hands of the vets, and one - Jay - has been discharged, however, Merlin, Wren, Kite and Goose remain in care. The worst affected is Merlin, who Hope Rescue stated was in "the worst condition initially with so many health issues".
The bulldog has had to be fitted with a feeding tube after not eating, and Goose could have similar treatment as the dog is struggling to keep food down. Meanwhile, Wren was also diagnosed with pneumonia and was fitted with a feeding tube, however, the charity reported she is "a little brighter". It is also hoped that Kite will be discharged shortly.
"We're going to be honest, this is a living hell for us. We were already devastated over their condition on arrival, and seeing them go through this made us hit the floor. But we've rallied as we always do. We don't have time to reflect on how unjust this, how cruel this is, and are putting all our energy in to giving them the very best fighting chance," the charity has added.
Sadly, the ever-growing list of treatments is growing which also means an increase in vets bills. A spokesperson said: "We are so sorry to continually ask for funds for the bulldogs, but with the parvo on top of their other health conditions, the vet bills for this intake will exceed £25,000 plus.
"Taking in seized dogs is always difficult as by definition their welfare is compromised and so many have health issues, but these dogs need us and we will always be here for them and to support the Local Authorities with their enforcement work. Any help in supporting us to cover these costs would be greatly appreciated."
If you would like to help Hope Rescue in their efforts to treat and rehome the dogs visit their appeal page here, or text BULLDOG followed by your donation amount to 70085 to give that amount. Get the latest news from WalesOnline straight to your inbox for free with our newsletters. Sign up here.
