A five-year-old lurcher named Rook has spent 17 months at the RSPCA Millbrook Animal Centre in Surrey, where staff believes potential adopters are deterred by the scars on his face.
Rook was rescued in 2024 during an investigation into the persecution of wildlife. Staff say the marks are the result of a difficult early life, when Rook was used by gangs to hunt animals such as foxes and badgers.
RSPCA Millbrook’s Behaviour Specialist Kate Macneill explained, “Rook is the sweetest boy but his face bears the scars of a difficult start to life. We fear that any potential families who may be able to offer this lovely lad a forever home where he’ll be safe from such a life may be put off due to the scars that have been left behind.”
Rook will need to wear a muzzle and be kept on the lead during walks because of his previous experiences. Kate added, “We understand there can sometimes be hesitation around adopting a dog who has to wear a muzzle, but Rook is very happy in his muzzle and is such an easy-going dog that he’s an utter joy to be around. He’s been available for rehoming since July 2025, but sadly we’ve had no interest in him.”
During weekends, Rook stays with a foster family, where he has been thriving. Kate described him as a gentle, affectionate dog who is only now learning to play with toys and experience safety.
Rook would benefit from a quiet home with a private, enclosed garden and could live with older children or a calm dog. He cannot live with cats or other small animals and will need support with housetraining, car travel, and gradually learning to be left alone.
Kate added, “Rook has found a particular love for curling up in a big comfy beanbag in his foster home so any families with a cosy beanbag he can claim as his own would be a huge bonus. We urgently need homes for big dogs, like Rook, who can wait seven times longer than smaller breeds to find homes.”
The RSPCA is appealing for adopters to give larger dogs a second chance, as space is limited and demand for rehoming is high following recent large-scale cruelty and neglect cases.
