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By Lucy Notarantonio
Senior Reporter
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An 11-month-old puppy who suffered brutal abuse at the hands of his owner has made a remarkable recovery after being rescued.
The dog, named Bernie, was seized by authorities after a member of the public reported seeing him being beaten "for several minutes." When the U.K.-based animal welfare charity Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) received the call, staff rushed to the scene and found the young British bulldog limping and visibly distressed.
Bernie's eyes were bloodshot, his skin was in poor condition, and a full veterinary examination revealed a shocking catalog of injuries.
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"We were disgusted to see the extent of his injuries. Bernie had facial fractures, cuts and bruises around his face, and very painful muscle injuries. The police seized Bernie, and his owner signed him over to us," the RSPCA shared online.
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Today, Bernie is thriving in a loving home, but his journey to recovery was long and difficult.
When he first arrived at the shelter, staff described him as "shut down" and wary of every new experience—a heartbreaking reflection of his traumatic start in life. Over time, however, he began to trust his carers and showed glimpses of the playful puppy he should have always been. Eventually, Bernie found his forever home, where he claimed a favorite spot on the sofa and rediscovered how to just be a puppy.
Sadly, Bernie's story is far from unique.
The nonprofit organization Shelter Animals Count says that about 10 million animals die from abuse each year in the United States alone, including pets, farm animals, wildlife, and animals used in testing. Around 250,000 animals annually are victims of hoarding, often kept in unsafe and unsanitary conditions. Shockingly, less than 0.01 percent of animal abuse cases are reported, making it difficult to fully understand the scale of the problem.
RSPCA Chief Inspector Ian Briggs, an expert in cruelty cases, said in a statement: "We are seeing a shocking rise in the number of seasonal calls reporting animal cruelty to our emergency line. Sadly, the summer months tend to be when these reports peak, which is leading to a welfare crisis.
"We don't know for sure why cruelty peaks at this time of year, but the surge in pet ownership during the pandemic has played a role, while the longer days mean more people may witness and report such violence," Briggs said.
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A Facebook post about Bernie's rescue received over 4,000 likes and many heartfelt comments.
One user wrote: "Poor baby. The sadness in his eyes. I will never know or understand how anyone can be so cruel. Thank RSPCA for rescuing him."
Another added: "I hope his scars heal. He is at least safe and being loved right now, bless him."
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