Success stories

Terrified dogs rescued from illegal baiting

Terriers Doris and Fern were rescued from use in cruel illegal hunting activities. After recovering in our care, they're ready for new homes.

Published:

09/04/26
Doris, a black terrier cross, sitting in a vets waiting room.
Doris, a black terrier cross, sitting in a vets waiting room.

Fighting for their lives

We found Doris and Fern in October 2024 when RSPCA Inspector, Mike Scargill, and Animal Rescue Officer, Carl Hone, attended a property in Wales to assist police with a warrant related to alleged animal welfare offences. Doris, a three-and-a-half-year-old black Patterdale terrier, and Fern, a grey Bedlington terrier cross, were found outside, dumped in a pen with faeces on the floor.

Video evidence gathered by Naturewatch Foundation showed that Doris and Fern were continually forced to take part in illegal hunting activities and animal fighting, which involved baiting badgers and foxes. These activities cause horrific injury and unnecessary suffering to both the wild mammals targeted and the dogs themselves, with some videos showing the animals with bloodied faces post-hunting.

Not only were Doris and Fern’s needs not being met, but they were being repeatedly forced into destructive and harmful hunting. 

Doris, a black terrier cross in a vets waiting room

Before

Doris, freed from the fighting

An RSPCA staff member with Doris, a back terrier cross, sitting on her lap.

After

Now she's safe, happy and awaiting a new home

Doris and Fern were fortunately unharmed

After being taken by the police, Animal Rescue Officer, Carl Hone, transported Doris and Fern to the RSPCA’s clinic in Merthyr for a health exam. Doris was found to have some scabbing on the inside of both ears towards the tip, though as no infection was present, fortunately no medical treatment was required.

The man responsible pleaded guilty to all twelve offences and was given a ten-month custodial sentence and disqualified from keeping dogs.

This is Doris’s day

The offences against the Animal Welfare Act 2006 lead to a conclusion of serious cruelty and a high level of suffering imposed on the wild animals involved. The case ended in Cardiff Crown Court in August 2025, after the man responsible pleaded guilty to all twelve offences. He faced a ten-month custodial sentence and was disqualified from keeping dogs. 

Ownership of Doris (now renamed Bambi) and Fern was permanently transferred to the RSPCA and both dogs are now happy, safe and waiting patiently for the next chapter in their lives. 

Their journey from a life of danger to a future of kindness highlights the essential role our partnership with the police plays in giving animals a second chance at a better life.

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