Staff at Dogs Trust Canterbury are appealing to ‘try’ and find loving homes for a squad of nine adorable French Bulldog puppies. The four-legged line up have been named; Ashton, Burrell, Farrell, Haskell, Joseph, Robshaw, Brown, Brookes and Hartley in support of the England team ahead of the clash against France.

The scrum of pups were suspected to have been illegally smuggled into the UK from Central or Eastern Europe. As part of the charity’s ongoing investigation into illegal puppy smuggling, the charity has provided care and support for the seized puppies through their time in quarantine, nursing them back to health and giving them extra TLC.

Whilst their breed name may suggest otherwise, the five-month-old French Bulldogs will be cheering on England when the Six Nations rugby tournament kicks off. Even though they may not be selected as forwards, props or scrum halves for the next game, one thing they all do have in common is the desire to find a perfect sport-loving home. All of the playful pups will make wonderful family pets. Like all puppies, they will require lots of physical and mental stimulation – a bit like the national squad!

Harriet Blaskett, Dogs Trust Canterbury Rehoming Centre Manager, says:

“At Dogs Trust Canterbury we have seen an increase in the number of puppies being illegally brought into the country, being seized at the borders. Perhaps like the England rugby players after the match, the puppies are a little delicate after their journey and will need a home with lots of extra care and love.

“We are proud to be supporting England in the Six Nations and if last year’s tournament is anything to go by, it will be a close competition. Much like the team, our canine residents are “rucking” for a place in the hearts of budding owners this year.”

If you would like to know more about any of the wonderful woof-woofs looking for a home at Dogs Trust Canterbury, please the Rehoming Centre directly on 0300 303 0292 or visit www.dogstrust.org.uk.

Dogs Trust is the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, caring for nearly 15,000 stray or abandoned dogs every year through its network of 20 Rehoming Centres across the UK and one in Dublin.