A name has been chosen for a timid bait dog who has been rescued by a Fenland animal group and is taking slow steps on his road to recovery.
The male cross breed has been named Hector in honour of his brave spirit, inspired by a Greek mythology legend and Trojan warrior prince.
Shelley Ridgeon, of Ravenswood Pet Rescue, said: “We are appealing for good quality wet dog food as he struggles to eat due to having virtually no teeth.
“We would also like to appeal for treats or fresh meat so that he knows when we go to see him he will always get something good, to help grow his confidence in us.
“He has made a little more progress today, but has been dribbling quite badly which is a sign of stress.
“Best Friends vet came to his foster home to give vaccinations to save the stress of taking him out among lots of people and dogs which we are incredibly grateful for.”
Hector is now in a temporary foster home and is being given lot of love and support in a bid to slowly teach him how to trust.
Shelley said: “He has responded quite well, but when he was taken off the lead he flinched terribly, I’ve not seen anything like that in my life. It is slow steps and one day at a time.”
The dog, whose teeth were filed down with an electric grinder, was probably used to train puppies to fight and was found running scared on the outskirts of Peterborough with a muzzle on and with injuries.
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’.”
• Donations for Hector’s veterinary care can be made direct to Best Friend’s Vets in March or Terrington Veterinary Surgery.
• To donate to his care contact Ravenswood Pet Rescue on 0844 5555 987 or visit their website.
• Anyone who suspects dog fighting is urged to call Police or the League’s confidential Animal Crimewatch line on 01483 361 108.
• Sign the League Against Cruel Sports petition here.
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