The sad reality of breeding beyond limits
Grace had multiple health problems: severe hip issues, a fused spine, luxating patella, and severe spondylosis.
And yet, she was still used for breeding.
When we met her in January 2022, she was just two years old. She was at Hope Rescue Centre awaiting palliative foster care for the remainder of her life. Her health issues were so severe that surgery would be of little benefit. She couldn’t be rehomed as it was unclear how long she would be able to enjoy a good quality of life.
Sadly, Grace’s condition deteriorated in spring 2022 and she had to be put to sleep for the sake of her welfare.
Her story highlights the shocking reality of indiscriminate breeding – something we see all too often.
Grace was a pocket bully, a type of bulldog breed that’s been growing in popularity in recent years. Often favoured as a status symbol, dogs like Grace are bred to look muscular and intimidating, with wide chests and thick-set heads. To illicit breeders, the impact on their health is irrelevant. Luckily for Grace, the person who bred from her left her ears intact. But pocket bullies are often the victims of illegal ear cropping, too.
Hope Rescue Centre in South Wales looked after Grace, showing her the love and care she deserved all along. The team believe she was handed in as a fake ‘stray’. On arrival, she had waxy ears, a greasy coat and it was obvious from her conformation that she had some serious health issues. It was also clear she’d been used for breeding. Sadly, Grace was also living with lasting trauma from her past as she was very reactive towards other dogs; it’s likely she was forced to mate or artificially inseminated.
Grace arrived alone, but her puppies will probably have inherited at least some of her health problems. Wherever they are now, they too will have their lives limited by careless backyard breeding, which is motivated by nothing but profit.
Illicit breeders – and the businesses that support them, like canine fertility clinics – are creating a generation of dogs who will suffer for their looks. It’s dogs like Grace who are the victims.
Together, we can stop them
The most effective thing we can all do to help is to stop the demand for designer dogs like Grace. If you’re thinking of getting a new dog, please consider one of the many wonderful rescue dogs in shelters up and down the country.
- If you’re absolutely sure you want a puppy, follow our advice to spot the signs of puppy farmers and illicit breeders so you can be sure you’re getting your dog from an ethical source. Importantly, make sure you prioritise the health of your new dog over their looks.
- Follow and support our canine fertility clinic campaign on our social media channels (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) using the hashtags #FrankensteinPuppies and #PuppyLabs
- Finally, we need you to be our eyes and ears. You can help by reporting concerns about illegal breeders and canine fertility clinics to us by completing our online crime report form, here
