A "lovely" rescue dog who was saved from illegal wildlife hunting is being overlooked by potential adopters due to the scars on his nose.
Five-year-old lurcher cross, Bronco, was rescued alongside six other dogs in a joint operation in Greater Manchester by the RSPCA and Cheshire Police, who were investigating a family that used their pets to hunt wildlife.
Evidence seized from their phones revealed "sickening" images and videos of the forced attacks on rabbits, foxes and badgers.
Bronco was removed from the "unhygienic" conditions and taken to the RSPCA's Felledge Animal Centre, in County Durham, where he’s settled in well and is a firm favourite with staff and volunteers.
Kennel supervisor, Jo Dodds, said: "Sadly, we fear people are being put off by his scars and the fact he has to wear a muzzle when he’s out and about."
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She continued: "Bronco is such a lovely boy and he spent a long time with us while his case went through courts.
"Since he’s been available for rehoming we’ve sadly had no applications for him, even though he’s a beautiful boy, inside and out."
"Due to his previous life experiences and his strong chase instinct he will need to be muzzled when he’s on walks but we’ve done lots of positive training with his muzzle and he’s happy wearing it.
"Bronco’s muzzle doesn’t prevent him from enjoying adventures and having fun on his walks but, sadly, there is a stigma around dogs who wear muzzles and we fear this may be another reason why people aren’t applying to adopt him."
Bronco was rescued from a horrific past life when the RSPCA's Special Operations Unit partnered with police in October 2020, to investigate social media posts suggesting a group of family members were using their dogs to hunt wildlife.
Two men and one woman, all from Greater Manchester, were sentenced on March 9. One had previously pleaded guilty and received a 26-week jail sentence.
Two others were found guilty of offences relating to welfare offences against the dogs, as well as using the dogs for hunting and received suspended prison sentences.
All three were disqualified from keeping dogs.
Bronco has been left with facial scarring but is now in a safe space and is ready to find love.
He has enjoyed making friends with other dogs at the shelter, but can sometimes need gentle reassurance around other males.
The athletic boy walks beautifully on the lead and is very popular with volunteers who enjoy taking him out for long walks.
Bronco is very clever and knows lots of commands, which he will happily show you if you provide a treat.
Food is his favourite and motivates him to learn new tricks and games.
Ideally, he is looking to be the only pet in a home with a secure garden and a large fence. He could live with secondary school-aged children.
You can find out more about Bronco on Find A Pet or contact the team at Felledge on 0300 123 0708 or felledge@rspca.org.uk.
If you’re interested in offering Bronco a home, please fill in the RSPCA's Perfect Match form.
Do you have a dog story to sell? Email nia.dalton@reachplc.com.
