A woman who runs a rescue center for puppies born with cleft palates wants to raise awareness about the birth defect.

Rebecca List, from Swadlincote, Derbyshire, takes puppies with cleft palates into her home and hand raises them until they reach an age where they can eat on their own.

She says the puppies, who are often abandoned by breeders, can go on to live normal, happy lives.

A spokesperson for veterinary charity PDSA said: “It can take a lot of time, commitment and money to raise a puppy with a severe cleft palate to adulthood, and unfortunately , not everyone will survive.

“Surgical intervention may be necessary, but with the proper care and treatment, some can continue to have a good quality of life.

“Every case is different however and it is important to obtain veterinary expertise on a puppy’s condition before making a decision as there may be lifelong complications. In some cases euthanasia may need to be considered, if the puppy’s well-being or quality of life is seriously affected.”

Video journalists: Sian Filcher and Charlie Sayers

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