AN illegally smuggled puppy has been rehomed as the 500th of the year for Dogs Trust Evesham.

Five-month-old English Bulldog Pudding – who is now called Betsy by her new owners – was one of four puppies which found themselves at the Evesham rehoming centre after being bred in Hungary.

She was illegally transported across 1,000 miles before being intercepted in the UK and taken into quarantine.

The charity provides care and support for illegally imported pups during their time in quarantine through its puppy pilot scheme.

Betsy was one of these puppies before she moved to the rehoming centre in Wickhamford to search for a new home.

Sarah Scaramuzza and Jonny McKinley, her new owners, travelled all the way from Huddersfield to meet her.

Ms Scaramuzza said: “When we heard of Betsy’s story, we couldn’t believe what she had already been through at such a young age but we’re so pleased that we’re able to give her a loving home.

"She is such a little bundle of fun and we love seeing her little personality come through. She has settled in really well already and she’s already very spoilt with lots of toys, treats and fuss.”

Chris Slight, rehoming centre manager at Dogs Trust Evesham, said: "The team are delighted to have found new homes for so many dogs already but little Betsy is the perfect representation of how the staff go above and beyond to care for dogs who haven’t had the best start in life.

"We find it incredibly hard to understand how anyone can take part in illegal puppy smuggling for monetary gain.

"These puppies don’t have appropriate vaccinations, are transported in horrendous conditions, have false documents and have been taken away from their mums far too soon.

"A dog is for life and thankfully, Betsy and her littermates are off to wonderful families who will give them a happy forever home."

Dogs Trust has recently launched its third investigation into puppy smuggling and is asking members of the public to write to their MP to ask them to support the campaign.

Betsy is the 20th smuggled pup that Dogs Trust Evesham has rehomed since the puppy block opened earlier this year.

For more information visit www.puppysmuggling.org.uk.

Anyone interested in rehoming a Dogs Trust dog, call 0300 303 0292 or visit Dogs Trust Evesham at 89 Pitchers Hill, Wickhamford, Evesham, WR11 7RT.