RESCUE puppy Benny needs two or three operations to have any hope of living a pain free life, animal welfare experts have warned.

The Shar-Pei puppy was brought into Dorset's Margaret Green Animal Rescue sanctuary by dog wardens last week.

Sanctuary staff say they're in a race against time to save Benny's sight and hearing, and need around £1,500 to pay for the urgent operations.

The seven-month-old is almost blind and needs surgery to cut away and remove excess skin on his face and head, a problem associated with Shar-Pei's due to the way the dogs are bred.

Staff at Margaret Green say Benny's eyes are covered by the excess skin, and that one eye has developed a possible ulcer because his eyelids are folding inwards and rubbing against his eyes.

Benny is also suffering from severe ear infections and needs a double operation to open up his ear canals.

"As if these problems were not enough," explained Margaret Green Animal Rescue's Lincoln Farm manager Helen Chittock, "Benny also has very narrow nostrils which make it difficult for him to breathe.

"We need to widen these under anaesthetic and consider trimming his soft palette to help ease his breathing as well.

"Benny is an extremely friendly and cuddly dog but it is so difficult for us to watch him suffer. We can't wait to help Benny feel better as soon as possible."

Benny will need two - possibly three - operations which could cost more than £1,500. Margaret Green staff say without these procedures Benny's health and welfare will be "seriously compromised."

A rescue centre spokesman added: "Margaret Green Animal Rescue urgently needs your help to make Benny better. Please consider making a donation towards Benny's operations as every penny will count.

"No puppy deserves to feel as poorly as Benny, or to loose almost all their sight and hearing, and we are in a race against time to raise funds for Benny's operation."

Visit justgiving.co./BennyAppeal or call 01929 471 340 to donate.