FA pups: Footy names for dogs rescued from breeder

(L-R) Illia, Dango and Antoine have been named after Bournemouth's Illia Zabarnyi, Dango Ouattara and Antoine Semenyo

Twelve large cross-breed puppies have been rescued from an unlicensed breeder in Dorset.

The eight-week-old Bernese Mountain Dog x German Shepherd pups were taken to Margaret Green Animal Rescue, near Blandford, by Dorset Council.

The rescue centre said the animals had not been receiving the appropriate standard of care or socialisation.

All 12 have been named after AFC Bournemouth's players and manager, as the rescue centre works to find them suitable, loving homes.

Adoni, Adam and Marcos (L-R) are named after manager Adoni Iraola, and players Adam Smith and Marcos Senesi

Margaret Green CEO Nigel Mason said that Adam, Antoine, Dango, Evanilson, Illia, Kepa, Lewis, Marcos, Marcus, Ryan, Tyler and Adoni had shown "incredible resilience".

"These puppies were brought into the world without thought for their welfare, their health, or the challenges that come with raising large-breed mixes," he said.

The charity said the footballers' namesakes had undergone "veterinary checks, vaccinations and care" and were now "receiving plenty of love and attention".

Mr Mason said: "We're now doing everything we can to make sure they have the best starts in life and go on to find safe, loving homes."