'Why I rescue puppies with cleft palates'

A woman who runs a rescue centre for puppies born with cleft palates wants to raise awareness about the birth defect.

Rebecca List, from Swadlincote, Derbyshire, takes cleft palate puppies into her home and hand-rears them until they reach an age where they can eat on their own.

She says the puppies, which are often put down by breeders, can go on to live normal, happy lives.

A spokesperson for the PDSA veterinary charity said: "It can take considerable time, commitment and expense to rear a puppy suffering from a severe cleft palate into adulthood, and sadly not all will survive.

"Surgery may be required, but with the right care and treatment some can go on to have a good quality of life.

"Every case is different though, and it's important to get veterinary expertise on a puppy's condition before making any decisions, as there can be life-long complications. In some cases, euthanasia may need to be considered, if the welfare or quality of life of the puppy are severely impacted."

Video journalists: Sian Filcher and Charlie Sayers

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