Dog walk will be hosted in aid of bulldogs

BULLDOG Rescue Angels (BRA), a charity that specialises in rescuing and rehabilitating bulldogs and associated breeds, will host its second annual charity dog walk on February 12 to raise funds for its voluntary work.

Lenell Hattingh, one of the volunteers and co-founders of BRA, said in its first year the organisation has rescued, rehabilitated and re-homed 15 dogs already, 14 of them being English bulldogs and one Staffordshire bull terrier.

Jolanda Voster from BRA said bulldogs in particular were prone to many health-related issues that could not be established during puppy stages. Being a brachycephalic breed, bulldogs have breathing issues that can lead to heatstroke, among other things. The ears as well as folds found on the nose and other regions require regular anti-bacterial cleaning to prevent yeast infections and associated infections. These breeds can ring up quite substantial veterinary bills, she said.

BRA is committed to seeking justice for bully breeds by bringing the breeders and people to book, and to rehabilitating abused and neglected dogs and, ultimately, seeking new homes for these animals. The organisation urges the public to assist them by reporting abused bully breeds to them and sending anonymous tip-offs about puppy mills and illegal breeders.

The Bulldog Rescue Angels Dog Walk will take place at Jan Smuts House in Centurion from 7am until 10am. Entrance is R40 a person and R10 a dog. There will be snacks and refreshments on sale for the humans in the tea garden and some delicious treats for the dogs. There will be water points, but bring along bottles of water for you and your dog.

BRA is also planning its first-ever golf day this year. Contact BRA on bulldogrescueangels@gmail.com or visit their Facebook page: Bulldog Rescue Angels.