A dog used as bait, who has been taken in by a local rescue group, had his teeth filed by an electric grinder and is likely to have been used as a tool to train puppies to attack.
The tan and white male dog, who is in the care of Ravenswood Pet Rescue, today enjoyed a walk in the sun and is very slowly getting used to his new routine.
Shelley Ridgeon, of Ravenswood, said: “We were contacted by the League Against Cruel Sports who said owing to his injuries they feel he will have been used to train puppy fighting dogs.
“They told us about the electric grinder, it doesn’t bear thinking about.
“Today he is a lot brighter, he wagged his tail which is a lovely thing to see.
“As I sat on the floor he came up and put his head in my lap.
“One of his ears is shorter than the other where it has been ripped. We are finding more injuries.
“He doesn’t want too much but he is accepting of us being round him. He is heading in the right direction but we think it will take up to 18 months to rehabilitate him.
“We are confident that he is taking it very slowly and with each day will get a little bit better.”
Ravenswood put out a plea for an emergency foster family with no children or animals after the dog - who is yet to be given a name - was found wandering the streets with a muzzle on and with injuries.
He was found in Fengate, Peterborough.
League Against Cruel Sports CEO Eduardo Gonçalves said: “Dog fighting is abhorrent. If anyone thinks dog fighting is a thing of the past, then sadly they are wrong.
“Dogs are being bred and sold specifically for fighting, pet animals are being used to provide a steady supply of torture victims for cruel training exercises where they are tethered down or used as dangling ‘bait’ for dogs being trained to fight for ‘fun’.”
• Anyone who suspects dog fighting is urged to call Police or the League’s confidential Animal Crimewatch line on 01483 361 108.
• Visit the League Against Cruel Sports website to sign their petition.
• To foster or donate to his care contact Ravenswood Pet Rescue on 0844 5555 987 or visit their website.
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