12/06/2026
Our full statement regarding Merlin
"As a small, volunteer-led rescue, we are occasionally approached by members of the public who are concerned about a dog's welfare. However, nothing could have prepared us for the condition Merlin was in when he came into our care.
The prolonged and persistent neglect he had endured left a lasting impact on our team. We would have dearly loved to nurse Merlin back to health and give him the loving home he deserved. Sadly, due to the severity of his condition, the intensive and invasive treatment he would have required, and his advanced age, it was agreed with the veterinary team that the kindest and most humane course of action was to end his suffering.
While we were unable to give Merlin the future we had hoped for, we are grateful that his suffering was brought to an end and that those responsible have been held accountable.
We would like to express our sincere thanks to the team at Kingsway Veterinary Group in Skipton for the care and compassion they showed Merlin, to the RSPCA for pursuing this case, and to the legal team for securing justice on his behalf."
Merlin was rescued but later had to be put down "due to the severity of his condition", the RSPCA says.
