SBT Stabbing Victim

Or, you may make a payment directly to the Rescue's bank account:

Account No: 00706647
Sort Code: 80-02-73
Bank of Scotland
Liberton Branch
1 Liberton Drive
Edinburgh
EH16 6NL
Tel: 0131 465 3400

As the Rescue has charitable status (Charity No: 1058627) donations made under deed of covenant or under Gift Aid (further information obtainable from the Treasurer) would enable the recovery of income tax.

Please contact Andrina Morton if you have any questions or would like further information.

(See these photos at the photographer's web site: http://www.sbtfun.com/StabVictim.html)

THE STORY

Printed in the Milngavie and Bearsden Herald on Friday, June 29, 2001.
Story by Shirley Workman
Photo: Ronnie Brady

Dog Repeatedly Stabbed Until Its Head Split in Half

This picture gives some idea of the extent of the dog’s horrific injuries. His head is a mass of stitches. Happily, vet George Pate believes he will make a full recovery.

WHAT BEAST DID THIS TO A HELPLESS ANIMAL?

(‘Never in my 18 years of practice have I seen anything like this’ Vet George Pate)

VET George Pate told this week how he had to operate to save the life of a dog that had been stabbed 18 times.

George of the Avalon Pet Clinic in Milngavie, was contacted by police who had found the dog last Thursday.

He said "When the police called me out I was expecting to find a dog that had been injured. Never in my 18 years of practice have I seen anything like this. It was horrific. He had injuries to his head where it was split in half and you could see right through to his skull and the dog’s right ear was hanging off. It certainly wasn’t what I was ready for, but it would have been too easy just to put him down."

"The police thought that I would have to put him to sleep but we managed to get him back to the clinic and stabilise him".

The Staffordshire bull terrier needed 72 stitches and has skull and muscle damage. It is believed he had been tied up while the attack took place.

Doreen Graham of the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals: "Bull terriers have been on the receiving end of some horrendous cruelty. Because of the bull terrier stance they are very often used by people to create a macho image but nothing could be further from the truth. They are actually nicknamed the "nanny dog" because they are so good with children.

"Throughout the years there have been cases where the dogs have been set alight deliberately. The fact that this dog has been stabbed repeatedly shows that whoever carried out the attack obviously aimed to hurt the dog and were not defending themselves against it."

"This is an appalling act of cruelty, after being stabbed 18 times it is a very lucky dog that some of its vital organs were not hit. I hope the animal pulls through. We would urge anyone with any information to call us on 0131.339.0111 or call the police."

Under the Protection of Animals (Scotland) Act 1912 the culprit could go to prison for up to six months, face a fine not exceeding £5,000, a life ban of keeping animals, or all 3.

A passer-by heard the dog’s cries in Barrisdale Road, Maryhill, and contacted the police. A Strathclyde Police spokesman said: "This is completely horrendous and we are carrying out further inquiries. The dog has dreadful injuries and we are urging anyone who might have witnessed the attack to contact Maryhill Police Office immediately on 0141.532.3700."

George gave the Herald a progress report later in the week. "He is definitely a lot happier today. We will have to keep an eye on his left side but the racket he is now making, it is clear that he has enough strength now to moan about the fact that he is in a kennel.

"He is eating and drinking, but if he keeps making that amount of noise we will unfortunately have to send him to the cat and dog home."

"This is a dog that is not a dog for everyone, but I am sure someone out there may be able to spend some time with him and perhaps even give him a good home and a lot of TLC: he certainly could be doing with some."

And "Life's a stitch"

(Printed in the Glaswegian Newspaper, Thursday, June 28, 2001)

The Glaswegian Newspaper - Thursday 05 July 2001

The dog that was stabbed 18 times is safe and now with new owners in England who have named him Baz.

Last week the Herald told how vet George Pate of Avalon Pet Clinic, Milngavie, had to operate to save the life of the dog which had gaping wounds around his head and body and needed 72 stitches.

George has since revealed that an anonymous caller left a message on his answering machine, with names which he has passed on to the police.

And after seeing the article in the Herald the Scottish Staffordshire Bull Terrier Association contacted George, just as he was about to take Baz to the Cat and Dog home.

Andrina Morton from Bearsden, a volunteer at the Association who helped to re-home Baz said "He has had stitches removed and it is looking very clean. The scar on his head looks like it’s going to be permanent, but the other scars should fade. He has now been removed from Glasgow so there is nothing to remind him of the bad memories of the incident. He has settled in well."

Andrina said that after the article appeared many people approached her and said they were "gutted" by what had happened.

"It beggars belief to think people could do this to him. He is a great dog at heart".

George also received numerous calls from animal lovers willing to give Baz a home.

However, caring for Baz has been costly and the cash strapped Association is appealing for help with his continued care. (see above;-)

For further information contact the Stafford Mall website on www.staffordmall.com or call Christine Stewart on 0141.586.1805

Latest update on Baz
18 March 2002

I received a mail from Baz's owner letting me know how the little guy is getting on. I've blanked out some of the mail to protect Baz's new identity and location.

This is one horrific case of abuse that thankfully has a very happy ending - thanks to the Scottish SBT Rescue (a registered charity and a member of the SBT Welfare) and Baz's new owner. Not forgetting, of course, the vet George Pate who saved Baz's life in the first place.

Andrina

Baz, is a changed dog. Still has a bit of chip on his shoulder and can be a bit aggressive when food is about. Saying that he is getting better all the time and is just like a naughty little boy really. He still has a small problem with his front left leg (from being kicked no doubt) but this only occurs if he walks to far and it doesn't seem to bother him so the vet has said just to keep an eye on it. Other than that he has a clean bill of health.

He walks on his lead with no problems. He does get a bit excited some times and tries to bite it. But a NO makes him let go and he walks on. He has been down the ******** on his lead with lots of people about and was very well behaved.

A comment from another dog walker was "He's a handsome chap now, in a rugged kind of way." He is so loving and so much in your face kind of dog, a real little character.