Dog rescued from fighting: Now Buddy awaits a new buddy

Caged and captured on camera

The RSPCA first became involved in Buddy's plight after an animal crime investigator compiled distressing footage showing a man using dogs to hunt and attack wild mammals, including badgers and foxes, in Humberside. 

The police obtained search warrants for properties linked to the suspect and inMarch 2023 RSPCA Inspectors, Jason Bowles, Tom Hutton, and Mike Scargill, accompanied officers to execute these. While searching one of the properties, Inspector Bowles and Inspector Hutton found Buddy confined in a mesh metal kennel, filled with faeces, at the side of the house. Buddy was immediately seized by the police under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, and handed over to Inspector Bowles, officially bringing him into our care.

Buddy’s injuries told the story of his neglect

Following his rescue, Inspector Bowles took Buddy to a vet for a thorough examination. The vet found that Buddy was a friendly, bright, and alert dog, weighing 31kg – but he had the unmistakable marks of severe trauma. 

Buddy was suffering from multiple facial injuries and scars of varying ages. These included a significant healed defect on the right side of his nostril, where a large portion of flesh was missing, which was consistent with the claw of a badger. Inside his mouth, he had a fractured lower left canine tooth and was missing two other teeth. Both of his forelimbs showed scarring, as well as multiple scratch lesions typical of animal attacks, while his hind limbs had pressure sores likely caused by living in an outdoor kennel on hard concrete. Finally, the tip of his tail was injured and actively bleeding.

Buddy had experienced horrendous cruelty and neglect.

As a result, Buddy was moved to a private boarding establishment where he received ongoing care and rehabilitation. As his owner initially refused to sign him over, Buddy had to remain in the safety of the boarding kennels for nearly two years while the case progressed. During this time he was kept safe, fed, and treated with kindness by the staff.

From brutal harm to Blackberry Farm

The court case concluded in April 2025, with the owner pleading guilty to interfering with a badger sett and to two animal welfare offences for causing unnecessary suffering. 

In February 2025, the owner finally transferred full ownership of Buddy to the RSPCA. The staff at his boarding kennels were thrilled that Buddy was now able to find a new, deserving home.

After a traumatic past, Buddy awaits his new beginnings at our Blackberry Farm animal centre. Thanks to the kindness of RSPCA rescue staff, police and dedicated boarding kennel workers, Buddy has finally found safety and the promise of a peaceful life.