An emergency foster family is needed to take in an animal that has been used as bait locally in the cruel sport of dog fighting.
The male dog, who does not yet have a name, was found with a muzzle on with his teeth filed down to almost nothing and scars and cuts all over his head and neck.
He was found in Fengate, Peterborough, but is now in the care of Ravenswood Pet Rescue who have put out an urgent plea to find him a foster home where he can learn to rebuild his trust in humans.
Shelley Ridgeon, of Ravenswood, said: “When the dog was caught he was aggressive but he is now very timid.
“He needs a home with no other pets and with no children, preferably where people are home all day.
“He is doing really well, has had a cuddle and a walk. He just needs to learn to trust.”
The dog has been used to train fighting dogs and had its teeth filed so it could not bite during bouts.
Hollywood star Ricky Gervais is leading a host of stars alongside the League Against Cruel Sports who want the Government to introduce tougher sentences for thugs who let dogs rip each other apart in the name of sport.
League Against Cruel Sports CEO Eduardo Gonçalves said: “Dog fighting is abhorrent - stories of fights in parks, dogs being trained using tyres, dogs being beaten until they submit to their owner’s will.
“If anyone thinks dog fighting is a thing of the past, then sadly they are wrong.
“A dog fight takes place every day in the UK.
“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’.
“The cruelty behind this underground world is endless and it’s happening right under our noses.
“Dog fighting is barbaric and we cannot allow it to be part of a modern Britain.”
• 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.
• To foster contact Ravenswood Pet Rescue on 0844 5555 987.
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