Torbay three-legged dog that survived severe cruelty looking for new home

A dog whose owner beat him so badly he had to have a leg cut off is looking for a new home after recovering from his injuries.

Rocco survived horrendous cruelty at the hands of Craig Dolling from Brixham.

He suffered a broken leg, fractured ribs, cheek bone and skull after being attacked and then was left without much-needed vet care before being rescued by the RSPCA.

  • WARNING- you may find the below picture disturbing

Some of Rocco's injuries Credit: Devon Live
Rocco now Credit: Devon Live

Rocco came into the care of the animal welfare charity after the RSPCA and police went to his former owners’ address in September 2019 following reports of an injured dog.

Dolling , 26, of Briseham Road, Brixham, admitted two charges of causing unnecessary suffering to Rocco when he appeared at Newton Abbot Magistrates' Court.

He was given a four month suspended sentence and banned from keeping all animals for life. He can apply to lift that disqualification in five years. He was also told he must do up to 10 days anger management with probation and 60 hours unpaid work.

Natasha Hilson, 25, who did not cause injuries to Rocco, was sentenced last week for failing to seek veterinary care for Rocco while he was suffering from his injuries.

She must carry out 10 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days and 240 hours unpaid work.

She was also disqualified from owning any animal for 15 years, with no application to lift this for five years, and must pay £200 costs.

Both claimed Rocco had injured his leg more than a month earlier while trying to jump over a gate and denied mistreating him.

Although text messages between the two revealed what had happened following Dolling admitting to harming Rocco after Hilson demanded to know why he had sustained injuries.

The team at the rescue centre also feel could live with a family with older children. Credit: Devon Live

Anyone who thinks they can offer happiness to Rocco should contact the team on 01278 782671 during opening hours, or see the website for more information.

  • The below video shows three-legged Rocco is now doing well