A DOG that was left battered and bruised after being brutally punched by its Wirral owner is the face of a new RSPCA campaign aimed at raising much-needed funds for other pets in need.

Wirral Globe:
THEN AND NOW: China suffered horrific injuries at the hands of his former owner's partner but all that has changed since he was taken in and adopted by RSPCA volunteer dog walker Laura Harding.

When Simon the Staffie arrived at the animal charity’s Warrington branch, he feared human and contact and yelped in pain when touched.

That’s because with his previous owner, Simon – then called China – was brutally punched in the head, thrown from shoulder height onto a table, dragged and thrown down flights of stairs and attacked with hot water or chemicals which seared his skin.

All of the abuse came from his then owner’s partner, Wirral man Christopher Cameron, who was sentenced to 14 weeks in prison and banned from owning or keeping animals for life last June.

His owner was terrified of Cameron was not even allowed out of the house to take China to the vets to be treated for his horrific injuries.

Thankfully, a concerned member of the public contacted the RSPCA, with the animal charity attending the Seiriol Grove property on October 12, 2013, following reports of the mistreatment of a dog.

RSPCA inspector Anthony Joynes said Simon was covered in wounds that were wet and hot to touch and that the dog was clearly distressed an in pain.

During Cameron’s court case, magistrates heard how Simon had its own faeces on its head and down its side, with Cameron’s girlfriend witnessing him punch the dog between three and five times on the head.

A vet said he had never seen a dog with such a large number of severe and advanced skin lesions.

Inspector Joynes said: “It was horrific. He had been thrown down the stairs, punched in the head, thrown onto coffee tables.

“He was subjected to prolonged physical abuse. The vet suggested that his skin injuries were from being burnt with boiling water or chemicals. When I first saw him, it looked like his skin was peeling off.

“Despite what Simon has been through, he is such a good example of a Staffie - really lovely and showing no aggression. It was an absolute pleasure to rescue Simon. It’s one of the best genuine happy endings I’ve ever dealt with.”

After Cameron was prosecuted, Simon was seized and passed into the care of the RSPCA’s Warrington branch where he quickly found a loving new home with one of their volunteer dog walkers, Laura Harding, who fell in love with him straight away.

Laura said: “Simon used to be scared of anyone holding a hot drink and would cower away behind me for protection which was really sad, but he’s come a long way since then.

“He’s settled in really well with me and my family and I absolutely adore him, he’s an amazing dog with a beautiful personality, against all odds.”

Simon’s story is now being used by the Warrington branch to encourage dog owners to sign up to its Big Walkies event.

Money raised from the sponsored walk will help re-home and rehabilitate dogs, many who have been neglected and abused.

Kate McCauley, senior animal carer at the RSPCA’s Warrington branch, said: “Upon arrival at his new home, Simon became terrified whenever Laura boiled the kettle and wouldn't come near anyone drinking a hot drink.

“This has since become a distant memory for Simon however, who now lives a happy life with his new brother Enzo the Dalmatian.

“Simon has celebrated his first birthday party, his first Christmas, has been to the beach countless times and is loved by all that meet him. He is a credit to Laura and to our branch and we would all like to say a big thank you to everyone involved in his rescue and rehabilitation.

“He's a little shining star who will now enjoy a life of blissful happiness thanks to all involved.”

The nearest Big Walkies event takes place at Sankey Valley Park, in Warrington, on Sunday, October 11.

It costs £10 per dog to take part, and £5 per additional dog.