Dog found with face in ‘absolute mess’ and half of bottom jaw missing after ‘barbaric’ act

A DOG has been found with her face in an "absolute mess" and half her bottom jaw missing.

The RSPCA has launched an investigation after the Patterdale Terrier was discovered on a country lane in Derbyshire by a member of the public on Wednesday. The dog - now named Grace - is thought to have been used in badger baiting.RSPCA inspector Dan Bradshaw, who went out to collect her from Horsleygate Road in Dronfield, said: "She's an adult female Patterdale Terrier-type who appears to be older in age.

“She isn't microchipped but was wearing a red collar with a locator on it.

"Her face is an absolute mess, practically half of her bottom jaw is missing.

“The injuries to her muzzle are horrendous and are typical of the injuries we see in dogs who have been used in badger baiting and digging."

RSPCA dog badger baiting

A dog has been found with her face in an “absolute mess” and half her bottom jaw missing (Image: RSPCA)

The cruel blood sport was banned in the UK in 1835.

Mr Bradshaw said: "We find small terrier-type dogs will be sent down into holes and setts to locate badgers, cornering them and alerting their handlers.

“The dogs often have radio transmitters attached to their collars so phone apps and GPS locators can be used to find them underground easily.

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RSPCA dog badger baiting

The dog - now named Grace - is thought to have been used in badger baiting (Image: RSPCA)

“The dogs will pin or hold the badgers in place while their owners dig down to them.

"The badger, which is clearly terrified and very distressed, will usually fight back and lunge at the dogs from below.

“Dogs used in this hideous pastime tend to have awful injuries to their bottom jaws, noses and faces, as well as their chests and front legs.

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**Appeal for information ** On the evening of 23.09.2020 this little, black Patterdale terrier was found alongside Horsleygate Road, #Dronfield, with her bottom jaw missing. Read here for more information & call us on 0300 123 8018 if you can help. https://t.co/UFujCeaNsW\n pic.twitter.com/rXmVuyXZpj— RSPCA (England & Wales) (@RSPCA_official)

"The badger will then be dragged out by the hunters who will then set bigger, stronger dogs on them to fight or kill them.

“It's absolutely barbaric, for the badger and the dogs.”

Mr Bradshaw said that Grace has “classic injuries” seen in dogs used for badger baiting.

He added: “Her bottom jaw has been badly damaged with extensive bite marks around her nose and muzzle.

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“Her jaw is badly infected and she's now receiving veterinary treatment and will have x-rays to establish the extent of her injuries.”

Grace is described as still being friendly despite what she has been through.

Mr Bradshaw said: "She's a friendly, old girl who deserves so much better but has clearly been used for some time for this hideous blood sport, with little regard for her health and welfare."

Anyone with information can contact the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018.