00:00Three dogs are looking for new homes after being permanently disfigured by suspected
00:04badger baiting, an illegal sport in which dogs are encouraged to draw a badger out of
00:09its burrow and attack it.
00:11Liz Nini Animal Center near Swansea has been caring for the Paterdale Terriers called Bert,
00:16Herney, and Popeye since November 2021, following their rescue by RSPCA inspectors.
00:22Staff at the center have been working closely with the trio to build up their trust and
00:26confidence, and say all three dogs have affectionate and loving natures, despite the cruelty they
00:31previously endured.
00:33Gary Weeks, manager at Lali's Nini Animal Center said,
00:37It's been so rewarding to see Bert, Herney, and Popeye flourish in our care and start to
00:41enjoy themselves again after the terrible injuries they suffered.
00:45They're all friendly, sociable dogs who enjoy human company, and all of them will make wonderful
00:50companions.
00:51They are currently three of the longest-staying dogs in our care, which is why we are sharing
00:56their stories to reach out to potential adopters.
00:59Badger baiting is illegal, but sadly it still goes on, causing incredible distress and suffering,
01:05not only to the badgers, but also to the dogs who are used, who often suffer severe injuries
01:09that go untreated.
01:11Bert and Herney, both one year and seven months old, had multiple scaring to their heads and
01:16necks when they arrived at Lali's Nini.
01:18Bert was the most seriously injured, missing 75% of the skin and tissue from his lower jaw.
01:24The root of the terrier's left canine was exposed, and there were also wounds to his nasal septum
01:30and multiple lacerations to his upper lips, cranium, and eyes.
01:34Herney had an unhealed wound on his left ear, a laceration on his chin and bilateral conjunctivitis.
01:41Following an investigation, their owner was prosecuted by the RSPCAid and given a suspended prison
01:46sentence, with the vet concluding that their serious untreated injuries were likely to have
01:51been caused by fighting with badgers. Despite his injuries, Bert responded well to treatment,
01:56although he has been left permanently scared. Staff say he is motivated by food and toys,
02:01and is a very clever dog that loves to learn and picks up new commands quickly.
02:06Herney, who is the same age, is described as a highly energetic and intelligent dog,
02:11who is also looking for an owner who will take him on long walks, and has a good understanding
02:15of training. The RSPCA says fun and friendly Herney will also need to come up with a variety
02:21of games to keep him busy and mentally stimulated. He would prefer to be the only animal in the
02:26household, and may be able to live with children aged 13 years plus. Popeye, who is one month older,
02:33was found wandering along a road near the animal center by a member of the public with wounds to his
02:38eye and lower jaw, which staff suspect were also caused by fighting with badgers. He wasn't microchipped,
02:44and despite inquiries by RSPCA Simro, his owner couldn't be traced. Sadly, the injury to Popeye's
02:51eye was so severe that it couldn't be saved. He has the most sensitive nature of the three,
02:55and will need an owner who is willing to invest time and patience in establishing a bond with him,
03:00and building up his confidence in new situations. Staff say he adores human company,
03:05and loves nothing more than giving and receiving fuss. The RSPCA says reports of badger-baiting rise
03:12over the summer months. The charity receives around 90,000 calls to its cruelty line
03:17every month and investigates 6,000 reports of deliberate animal cruelty.
