Family's heartbreaking decision as rescue dog beaten and kicked by strangers

16 January 2024 , 22:10

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Morris was left with severe bruising to his head and face (Image: Friends of Rescue)

A family had to make the heartbreaking decision to give up their dog after it was viciously beaten and kicked while on a walk.

A leading dog rescue charity is desperate for help after the bulldog mix was surrendered by his adoptive family after the incident in Ireland. The tan-coloured animal called Morris was being walked on a lead at a beach in Co Donegal when an off-lead dog ran right up to Morris.

His owner reported that Morris naturally felt threatened and snapped at the other dog and a fight broke out. He was left with severe bruising to his head and face, trauma and an infection. His family were so traumatised they handed Morris back to the rescue unable to face the possibility of another situation.

Morris needed a sedative to calm him and medication to relieve the pain (Friends of Rescue)

Morris's owner reported that two grown men kicked and punched Morris and he’s in a much worse state than the other dog. The rescue centre also said Morris’ mum received multiple bruises all over her hands and arms from punches and kicks being thrown by the other dog's owners.

A spokeswoman for Friends of Rescue from Derry said: “We are disgusted that Morris was brutally beaten with the beating continuing even after the two dogs had been separated. Morris is a two-year-old bully mix, he is a big strong boy which is not his fault, this is just how he is built.

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Morris now needs a new home (Friends of Rescue)

"But he is a good boy, great with people and walks very well with other dogs on a lead but he wants to be the only pet in the home. We have so many videos of Morris walking like a gentleman with other dogs. This incident was not Morris’ fault. The photos of Morris after the beating make us physically sick.

"He needed a sedative to calm him and medication to relieve the pain, bruising and swelling. His temperature was sky-high, indicating infection so he is on antibiotics for that too. Thankfully both dogs walked away from the beach, the Garda were called and the situation was dealt with but Morris is traumatised."

Jilly Beattie