Fred was hurt, scared and suffering
Fred was just a puppy when we rescued him, with broken bones and a damaged eye. Now we need your help to save more animals like him from deliberate cruelty.
Content warning
There may be distressing images of animal cruelty and neglect in this story.
part 1
Fred wants to be everyone’s friend
Meeting Fred, it’s obvious how special he is. But his past has left its mark, and not just on his milky left eye and wonky ear. If you pat his head, you’ll feel a lump that has never gone away.
When a member of the public called us about a dog being kicked, we rushed to check on him at home. Our animal rescuer found eight-month-old Fred with gooey eyes and in obvious pain. “He was very subdued and quiet, far from how a puppy would normally behave,” she recalls.
An urgent trip to the vet revealed why. Fred’s skull, jaw and ribs were fractured in a number of places. Veterinary experts concluded these injuries were the result of physical abuse on at least two separate occasions. Despite intensive care and treatment, we couldn't save the vision in his left eye.
Fred stayed in our hospital for more than 20 days, and his sunny personality had staff smitten. “I knew as soon as I laid eyes on Fred that I wanted to adopt him,” says RSPCA vet Guilherme.
Fred was so young and had been through so much already. I’m glad that someone had the courage to call us. They saved his life.
part 2
When animals face cruelty, love steps in
No animal should have to suffer like Fred. As animal lovers, it’s hard to believe that anyone could harm a dog. But for a few months every summer, the problem gets worse. Last year we received 69 reports of deliberate cruelty every single day*.
We have to believe that cruelty isn’t the strongest force at work – love is. This summer, there’s no better way to put your love into action than by donating to the RSPCA once more.
Your vital gift could help rescue animals, heal their injuries and find them new homes.
The RSPCA's Wilberforce database. *Based on deliberate cruelty incidents reported to the RSPCA, between Jun 2025 and Aug 2025
Fred’s face was misshapen. He had a broken jaw and an ulcer on his eye. And though he was just a puppy, X-rays showed older injuries.
Now he’s healed and happy and doesn’t let anything slow him down. Even when he gets worried or scared, his new owners reassure him.
part 3
Fred found love at first sight
Fred’s now living his best life with his new owners, who fostered him and soon decided to keep him for good.
“We simply adore Fred, he’s family,” says Guilherme. “He’s so intelligent, playful and ball-obsessed! His favourite thing to do is rummage through his toy box and sort everything out.”
Fred’s traumatic past and sight problems mean he doesn’t like the dark and certain smells make him anxious. But today, he’s safe, adored, and finally living the life he should be.
Sadly, Fred’s story is not a one-off. Animal cruelty is at a five-year high**. But by joining your fellow supporters and donating to the RSPCA, you can turn your love for animals into a life-saving rescue this summer.
**Based on deliberate cruelty incidents reported to the RSPCA, between Jan 2021 and Dec 2025
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Together, we can make a huge difference to improve the lives of animals.
See the difference your donation makes
Every animal we home is a win for kindness over cruelty. Meet these animals who have started their new lives thanks to donations from supporters like you.
