Charity left 'picking up the pieces' from breeder

After six months of being in their new homes, the dogs are still showing signs of trauma, say their new owners

An animal charity in the south-west of England is urging people to be more careful when purchasing puppies from breeders.

Nicki Ging, the Tavistock branch centre manager of Margaret Green Animal Rescue, said charities were often left "picking up the pieces" when dogs are no longer needed by breeders.

She said the charity recently spent more than £6,500 on veterinary bills for 10 dogs that were rehomed from an irresponsible breeder.

"No animal ever deserves to be used for money, and it's organisations like ours that are left to pick up the pieces when these animals are no longer required by their breeders," she said.

All 10 dogs, including eight Labradors, a collie, and a spaniel, have been rehomed

Speaking about the 10 dogs who were taken into the care of the charity, she said all of them had been rehomed but some would need medical treatment for the rest of their lives.

Rosemary Clarke adopted one of the animals, a spaniel named Moss, six months ago.

She said Moss had taken a while to learn some behaviours after coming into her care.

"She couldn't even get up a pavement curb stone, she'd fall over, she couldn't walk a hundred yards without lying down and looking hopeless," she said.

"Now, she's a happy little dog, she loves her food, and when she sees my walking rucksack, she is ready to go."

Tim Russell, who adopted a Labrador named Sophie, said people should not be worried about taking on a dog that had been through trauma but he warned they do require a commitment.

"I would say to anybody to do your homework, find out about the breed, and then you should be OK, but it is a long road," he said.