Lurcher forced into badger baiting freed and finds new home

Cruelty to both dog and badger

We first became aware of Shirley's horrific circumstances in late 2024, when local police in Gwent, South Wales – who were investigating an unrelated offence – seized a mobile phone and found highly distressing videos of dogs used to bait and attack wild badgers. Badger baiting is an illegal and incredibly cruel activity and a criminal offence under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 in the UK. It often results in the death of a badger and also causes severe injuries, sometimes fatal, to the dog. On seeing the footage, the police immediately alerted the RSPCA. 

Special Operations Unit (SOU) Inspector, Will Rippon, carefully reviewed the digital evidence, which clearly showed Shirley, who was approximately 17 months olds, being encouraged to attack and bite the back end of badgers, placing her – and the badgers – in immense danger. To rescue her from this cruel environment, RSPCA Inspectors Mike Scargill and Keith Hogben accompanied police officers to execute a warrant.

They found Shirley inside the property and, knowing she was at imminent risk of further harm, took her into possession under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 to prevent further suffering. Animal Rescue Officer, Keith Hogben, then safely transported Shirley to a boarding facility to begin her journey to recovery.

Once forced to fight, now free to heal

A vet who examined Shirley during her rescue, noted she had a tense abdomen, pain around her neck, thinning hair on her lower legs and hair loss over her hind limbs. The vet concluded that Shirley was suffering from severe neglect and that, by forcing her to fight badgers, her owner had exposed her to severe injury, acute pain, and distress. 

Shirley’s treatment plan included routine vaccinations and flea treatment to help restore her physical health, supported by a safe environment and the deep kindness and patience of our animal rescue staff. We helped her slowly adjust to a normal, gentle life, far from the trauma of her past. With time, her physical and emotional scars began to heal and she began to trust again. 

When she was ready, we transferred Shirley to our West Hatch animal centre, to complete her rehabilitation. From there she was officially rehomed to a loving family who now treat her with the soft love she so deserves.

Rescued dog Shirley found her temple

Today, Shirley is living a safe and happy life in her new home.

Her journey to safety is a testament to the kindness and dedication of the rescue teams, the police and the animal centre staff who intervened to protect her from a life of violence and cruelty. Thank you to everybody who plays their part in freeing animals from unimaginable cruelty.