Staffy finds new home after suffering cruelty

In June last year, the national RSPCA received two distressing videos showing a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, named Patch, being kicked and punched by his owner. Following enquiries, Rachel Leafe, an Inspector for the national RSPCA, attended a property in Ilkeston accompanied by Police.

Rachel said: “I asked the owner if he would sign Patch over to the RSPCA, he refused. He went on to say he was well looked after and nothing was wrong with him.” His owner was in breach of a life-long ban of keeping animals, which had been issued to him in 2015. Patch was seized by the police, placed into RSPCA care and taken for a veterinary examination.

The vet who examined Patch said he was quiet and nervous and reluctant to allow a hand to go over his head. Even though no redness or bruising was apparent, the vet noted that this could have been because the incidents had happened several days previously. 

She also said “I would not expect a normal owner to treat any dog in this manner. It is a fundamental part of dog husbandry that an owner or person responsible for a dog should not hit or beat them or physically punish them in this way. To do so is, in my opinion, causing unnecessary suffering.”

Following the veterinary examination, we were asked by Rachel if we could offer Patch a space in our kennels until he could be transferred out of the area. We looked after Patch for 4 weeks before he went to Block Fen Animal Centre where he was later rehomed.

Sally Jones, Animal Centre Manager at Block Fen, said: “Patch had been through a terrible ordeal but he was such a happy, friendly and resilient boy. He was a joy to care for, always giving us his big Staffy smile and keen to play with his doggy friends at the centre. We’re happy to still be in contact with him and he’s very settled and loving life with his great new family.”

Patch's owner has been jailed and banned from keeping animals for the rest of his life following a sentencing hearing at Derby Magistrates’ Court on 22 May.

We are proud to have played a small part in Patch's story and are thrilled that he has gone on to lead a happy, healthy, and safe life in his new home. Thanks go to Rachel and Michael Darling, Inspector (who took over the case from Rachel) for rescuing Patch, our animal care team who cared for Patch in the aftermath of his ordeal, and the fantastic Block Fen team who rehabilitated and rehomed him. The dedication and commitment of everyone involved meant that Patch was able to recover from his horrendous ordeal and begin his new chapter with his new family. 

If you would like to support our work with other animals like Patch please donate here.