Scarred bulldog was dumped in a bucket

A COUPLE who adopted an English Bulldog found dumped in a bucket told how his traumatic start to life has left him with anxiety and behavioural issues.

James and Charlotte Boult rehomed Snoop after he was smuggled into Dover from Hungary at 12 weeks old – three weeks below the minimum age required by law.

Since his rescue, Snoop has had two surgeries to remove blinding ulcers from his eyes and received treatment from a behavioural therapist who believes his ordeal has given him severe anxiety.

James and Charlotte already had a four-year-old bulldog called Buddy, who they bought from a reputable breeder.

Then they decided to apply to adopt Snoop via the Dogs Trust Puppy Pilot scheme after watching a documentary about smuggling.

Estate agent James, 32, said: “Puppy farming is crazy – really scary. Bulldogs are prone to health issues but more so when they’ve had poor breeding standards. These smugglers are exploiting Britain as a nation of dog lovers.”

James and Charlotte, 33, of Milton Keynes, Bucks, soon found that Snoop had health problems which weren’t immediately obvious.

James said: “He was tiny when he was found and we’ve got no idea what other trauma he might have suffered before we took him in.

“He had two surgeries on his eyes in December and March, and vet bills aren’t cheap.

“When he turned one he started to get a bit aggressive to Buddy, who is very social and chilled-out.

“A behaviour specialist said a dog’s personality is formed in the first 61 days of life. When it starts to reach maturity those traits begin to come out.

“But Snoop gets a lot of love and care and we are patient with him after his awful start. We hope he will learn to trust again in time.”