RSPCA emergency appeal towards surgery for Chilli the pug, based at Suffolk central branch in Martlesham, near Kesgrave

An animal welfare charity has issued an urgent appeal to pay for emergency surgery to help a pug housed at its Suffolk branch live a happy, healthy life.

One-year-old Chilli suffers from respiratory problems, common in pugs due to their flat faces.

She was also recently diagnosed with bilateral luxating patella, which can make exercise and movement difficult.

As a result, the RSPCA launched a fund-raiser for £3,000 so Chilli can undergo surgery to deal with both conditions.

In addition, the charity also hoped to find the playful pug her forever home.

Zoe Barrett said: “Chilli is a young, playful pug, who deserves to have a life free from health issues and we really want to help deliver that for her and her future owners.

“Once she settles into her new home, Chilli will need an operation for the bilateral luxating patella, and surgery and surgery for Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome( BOAS), a disease related to the flat face and skull shape of breeds such as British bulldogs, French bulldogs and pugs.

“Dogs with BOAS can suffer from breathing problems and can have trouble coping with heat and exercise.

“Currently, Chilli is unable to walk for long and she struggles with her breathing, which can be distressing for her and her new owners.

“Having this operation will mean that she will be able to begin to live a life free of health issues, with a wonderful new family - something she thoroughly deserves.”

Zoe described Chilli as ‘sweet and excitable’, who loves a quick game of fetch with her favourite stuffed toys.

She added: “Due to the state of her health, Chilli can only manage short walks, so will need a new family who understands this and are happy to engage Chilli in lots of brain games at home to keep her occupied.

“She will also need owners who are home most of the time to help her with her training.”

Chilli is housed at the charity’s Suffolk Central branch in Martlesham and was delivered there after her previous owner could no longer keep her.

You can donate to Chilli’s fund-raiser here.

Any excess money donated will go towards treatment for other animals under the charity’s care.