Worthing charity rescues dogs from puppy farm

The adult dogs were all used for breeding but for various reasons, were no longer of any use to the breeders.

A £5,000 grant from Body Shop Foundation enabled the charity to save the dogs and provide them with proper care.

Tracy Cadman, Wadars operation manager, said: “All too often, these breeding bitches are the forgotten victims of the puppy trade.

“At one time, the puppy farm had 120 breeding dogs but because of their increasing age, the owners have now decided to start winding down their operation, which means that the adult dogs that they cannot sell are no longer needed.”

Over the last two years, Wadars has rescued a total of 26 Cavalier King Charles spaniels – 21 female and five male dogs – ranging in age from 18 months to ten years.

All of the animals have required extensive and costly veterinary treatment, including for problems with their eyes, ears, teeth and skin, costing well in excess of £500 per dog.

In addition to any emergency veterinary treatment required, Wadars also pays for the animals to be neutered, microchipped and vaccinated, as well as treating them for worms and fleas before they are placed in new homes.

Tracy added: “We are extremely grateful to the Body Shop Foundation for their grant as it means that we’ve been able to take in these dogs and provide proper care and treatment for them.

“All five of them have chronic ear problems, four of them require extensive dental treatment and one little girl has an ulcerated eye. Another was in the early stages of pyometra, which is a potentially fatal infection of the uterus, and had to spend two days at the vets receiving intravenous medication.

“We will eventually be looking for loving homes for all of the animals, but our first task is to sort out their numerous ailments and get them back to full strength.”

Wadars does not have its own rehoming centre, so its animals are cared for in commercial kennels and catteries, or by volunteer fosterers, until suitable homes can be found. It also work closely with various wildlife sanctuaries in the area.

The charity’s team of animal rescue officers respond to calls from the public when animals are in peril.

Anyone interested in adopting one of the dogs should contact Wadars on 01903 247111.

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