Five-year-old Neapolitan Mastiff Ella, whose huge heart has made an even bigger impression on staff, is searching for a loving home after spending over 420 days in Battersea’s care.
Ella arrived at Battersea’s Old Windsor centre after being found roaming the streets as a stray. During her initial health checks, it became clear that her ears had been brutally cropped – a painful and needless procedure that leaves lifelong scars.
Ear cropping is illegal in the UK, but Battersea still sees many dogs like Ella arrive with these mutilations. However, many ears are cropped illegally on UK soil, with breeders falsely claiming the procedure was done abroad as a legal loophole currently allows these dogs to be imported from countries where cropping is legal.
Despite the trauma she’s endured, Ella has shown herself to be a gentle soul. She can be wary of new people, but she quickly warms up to those who take the time to earn her trust – especially if they come bearing treats or her favourite toys.
To give her a break from kennel life, Ella has been spending time with foster carers. She’s blossomed in a calm home environment and loves nothing more than sunbathing on the garden lounger or greeting her carers with nose boops and excited full-body wiggles. She’s even overcome her fear of washing machines.
Hannah Gee, Rehoming Team Leader at Battersea Old Windsor, said: “Ella is an endearing girl with a huge heart. She may come across as shy at first, but once you’re in her circle of trust, she’s incredibly loyal, playful, and sweet-natured. We’re looking for patient and understanding owners who can give her the time and space she needs to flourish. She’d thrive in a quieter home, ideally with a secure garden where she can potter, play, and continue building confidence at her own pace.”
Ella’s appearance has sadly made her easy to overlook by potential adopters. Her cropped ears stand as a painful reminder of a wider welfare issue. Cosmetic mutilations like ear cropping are usually carried out to achieve an intimidating aesthetic, rather than health or medical need.
Battersea is currently campaigning for the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill to pass into law, which would finally close the importation loophole that enables this cruelty. The charity urges members of the public to contact their MP and help bring an end to the suffering of dogs like Ella. But for Ella herself, what matters most now is finding the safety and love of a forever home.
Prospective new owners who feel they can give Ella the love that she deserves should visit the Battersea website to find out more: https://www.battersea.org.uk/pet-advice
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Notes to editors
• At Battersea we offer our love and expert care to dogs and cats who need us by rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals at our centres, and by sharing our knowledge and resources with rescue organisations around the world. We do this because we want to help every dog and cat, everywhere.
• In 2024 Battersea directly cared for 2,766 dogs and 2,454 cats at our three centres. We also helped thousands more through campaigning work, supporting other rescues and animal welfare advocates, and sharing knowledge and advice with pet owners.
• In addition to the site in South West London, Battersea also has two other centres based at Old Windsor, Berkshire and Brands Hatch, Kent.
• To find out more visit our website or follow Battersea on X @battersea_ , Instagram @battersea, Facebook facebook.com/Battersea and TikTok @battersea.