Puppy Who Faced 'Life of Abuse' Gets New Start With Beachside Owners
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
A young Staffordshire terrier-cross named Roy is now enjoying a joyful new life by the coast after being saved from shocking abuse.
His former owner was caught on video repeatedly striking and throwing him to the floor during what the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) described as an unprovoked attack. The disturbing footage prompted a member of the public to alert the U.K.-based charity, leading to Roy's rescue.
"Thankfully he didn't sustain any long-lasting injuries despite his horrific attack, but his mental distress was clear," states a popular Facebook post about his story.
Racking up 5,600 likes, the caption continues: "After many months of rehabilitation, Roy's life of abuse is a thing of the past and he now lives a happy life by the seaside with his new owners."
(L-R) Roy when he arrived at the vets, he appears to be scared. A smiley photo of the canine in his new home.
(L-R) Roy when he arrived at the vets, he appears to be scared. A smiley photo of the canine in his new home.
RSPCA
Roy was initially taken to an RSPCA hospital and later moved in July to the charity's Lancashire East branch to prepare for adoption. Staff quickly realized how deeply affected he was by his ordeal.
Sue Abraham, the branch's fostering coordinator, said: "I do remember on the first day he came through the door and he was just so terrified he laid down on the door mat and didn't want to move. It was heartbreaking to see.
"But a week or two later he had come out of his shell—and we were socializing him in reception and he was running around playing and enjoying treats from staff. We all loved him here and were delighted when he was adopted to a fantastic new family where he is really living the best life."
The RSPCA is unable to share the original footage for legal and data protection reasons.
Eight Visits Before Adoption
Roy lying on the floor at the RSPCA hospital.
Roy lying on the floor at the RSPCA hospital.
RSPCA
In November, Roy was welcomed into the home of Daniel Wilson Woodward and his husband, Jason Woodward Wilson, who run dog-walking business called Pick Up The Paws. Before making him part of the family, they made a two-hour round trip to visit him around eight times to build trust and ensure the match was right.
Roy's new home comes with two canine companions—Betty, a 7-year-old Beagle, and Archie, a 15-year-old Pointer.
Daniel said: "We were worried about when the time came how Betty would feel as she has always had him for close company so we thought it would be nice to bring another dog into the family.
"We read about Roy and saw his cute face. We were really keen to meet him.
"Obviously after what had happened in his past we wanted him to be sure of us and we wanted to make sure he would be a perfect match—and he really is."
Embracing a New Life by the Sea
From his very first evening, Daniel says, Roy appeared to understand he was safe.
"We were all watching a film that evening and he just jumped on the [couch] and cuddled up to us—like he had a sense of relief and knew things were now going to be happy for him," Daniel recalled.
"He has brought so much happiness into our lives—he is so playful and loves chasing a ball but is so fast he can't stop in time to catch it."
Putting the Past Behind Him
Roy now has a daily routine he clearly relishes.
"He also loves his food and knows when it is nearly dinner time as he will come and sit in front of you and stare with his big eyes. Then when you make his dinner he spins in a circle with his toes tapping on the floor before his bowl goes down," said Daniel.
Despite his traumatic beginnings, Roy is now surrounded by love. "We were obviously upset to hear about his past but we know he can put that firmly behind him now thanks to the work of the RSPCA and we would always advocate that people adopt from rescues rather than buying a new pet," he said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
Video: Russia Says Ukraine Drone Struck Rostov Apartment Building
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Video footage shared by Russian Telegram channels showed the moment a Ukrainian drone struck an apartment building in Rostov-on-Don, which the local governor said left at least thirteen people injured, two of them seriously. The drone can be seen flying slowly over buildings in the southern Russian city before descending towards the top of one and exploding on impact. WILD FOOTAGE 🔴 Video shows a Ukrainian drone slowly flying and striking a building in Rostov, southern Russia. — Open Source Intel (@Osint613) August 14, 2025 Rostov's Acting Governor Yury Slyusar said several apartment buildings were damaged in the "drone attack" and those hurt were taken to the hospital for treatment. Russia and Ukraine continue to attack each other ahead of an Alaska summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin at which the two leaders will discuss a potential peace deal. Ukraine and its European allies are hoping Trump emerges from the meeting with Russia agreeing to a ceasefire. This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
Harvey Weinstein To Be Tried For Third Time on Rape Charge: What To Know
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A New York judge has called for convicted sex offender Harvey Weinstein to face a retrial before the end of this year over allegations he raped actress Jessica Mann. In June a mistrial was declared in the case after a jury failed to reach a verdict amid chaotic scenes that saw the foreperson refuse to continue deliberating following what they alleged were threats from a fellow juror. Weinstein denies any wrongdoing in the case. Newsweek contacted Weinstein's attorney for comment on Thursday via email outside of regular office hours. Why It Matters In 2017 a series of sexual assault allegations were made against Weinstein, a celebrated film producer, sparking the global #MeToo movement, which saw a number of prominent men accused of sexual abuse. Weinstein was convicted of rape by a New York court in 2020 and ordered to serve 23 years in prison. However in 2024 New York's highest court overturned the conviction after concluding the judge prejudiced the jury by allowing women who had made assault allegations against Weinstein that were not included in the case to testify. What To Know On Wednesday New York Judge Curtis Farber, who is presiding over the Mann case, said he wants a retrial to take place before the end of this year according to NBC News. In June a jury found Weinstein guilty of sexually assaulting Miriam Haley, a former Project Runway production assistant, but he was acquitted on similar charges against former Polish model Kaja Sokola. Former film producer Harvey Weinstein is seen at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City on August 13, 2025. Former film producer Harvey Weinstein is seen at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City on August 13, 2025. Pool/GETTY However a mistrial was declared on a charge related to Mann after the jury struggled to reach a verdict, with the foreman telling the court a fellow juror had appeared to threaten him by commenting "you know me, you are going to see me outside." Judge Farber has said he doesn't want to sentence Weinstein over the Haley case until a retrial is held over the Mann accusations. Weinstein denied the assault allegations against Mann, Haley and Sokola stating sexual interactions with his accusers had been "consensual" and "transactional." Separately in December 2022 Weinstein was found guilty of rape in California and sentenced to 16 years in prison. He denied any wrongdoing in the case and is currently appealing. Weinstein is being held in New York's Rikers Island prison, which he has described as a "hell hole." In September 2024 he underwent heart surgery and spent time in a secure hospital unit. What People Are Saying Weinstein's attorney Arthur Aidala has urged prosecutors to drop the Mann case commenting: "In the big picture, even if Mr. Weinstein got convicted of Jessica Mann, there would probably be very little effect on what his ultimate sentence would be." Aidala said Weinstein would plead not guilty in a retrial as he "doesn't want the word rape associated with him in any way, shape or form." Speaking to a judge in January Weinstein said: "I can't hold on anymore. I'm holding on because I want justice for myself and I want this to be over with." What Happens Next? Judge Farber has yet to announce a date for the retrial. Weinstein is not expected to be sentenced over the Miriam Haley case until this has taken place.
Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
Los Angeles Has an Expensive Sidewalk Problem
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A Los Angeles jury has awarded a wedding photographer millions of dollars after he tripped on a severely uplifted sidewalk on Ventura Boulevard in Woodland Hills in December 2019. The decision awarded Payman Heravi more than $3 million after he tripped over on the sidewalk, leaving his left arm not fully functional. Newsweek contacted the Los Angeles City Controller's office for more information on the decision via email. Why It Matters Los Angeles faces a large fiscal and public-safety concern, with growing legal payouts tied to failing public infrastructure diverting tax dollars that could be used for repairs. What To Know A jury found that city employees had seen the damaged sidewalk but had not repaired it and awarded Payman Heravi $3,028,026 for his injuries. Heravi said his left arm was not fully functional after three surgeries and years of therapy. He told the jury that he tripped over a several-inch uplift in the sidewalk as he was walking along and checking a message on his phone. Heravi said the injury meant he would no longer be able to do his job as a wedding photographer. "Right now, the pain is a lot. Right now, I can't use my shoulder," he told ACB7. Stock image: A wide angle view of the bustling intersection at West Fifth Street and South Olive Street in downtown Los Angeles on December 3, 2024. Stock image: A wide angle view of the bustling intersection at West Fifth Street and South Olive Street in downtown Los Angeles on December 3, 2024. Getty Images City audits have shown a steep climb in liability spending in the city. The Los Angeles City Controller's office reported that the city spent an estimated $286 million in liability payouts in the fiscal year that recently ended, and the controller's office said more than $9 million was paid in the first month of the new fiscal year. Diana Chang, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles city controller, told Newsweek: "Our top concern is that members of our community are continuing to get hurt or even killed due to the City's failures. "Year after year, taxpayers have to foot the bill for liability payouts that come straight out of the City's General Fund–the same fund that is our resource for ensuring we can pave roads, fix broken street lights, repair streets, and provide a safe home for all Angelenos. "Liability payouts are a big reason that the City is currently in a fiscal crisis and in the process of laying off employees. For the fiscal year that just ended (FY2025), the City set a new record, paying out over $286 million for liabilities, when it had only budgeted for $87 million for total liabilities. "To reduce liabilities and improve services over the long run, the City needs to better manage its risks before they lead to injuries. Our office is investigating the City's practices in reducing harm and liability payouts. Last week, we launched an audit of the City's Risk Management practices." What People Are Saying Max Lee, Payman Heravi's personal injury attorney, said: "[The sidewalk] should be fixed in a reasonable manner. If that happened in this case, Mr. Heravi would still be able to do what he loves and not be in constant pain every day." What Happens Next Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass had directed staff to develop a multiyear capital plan to coordinate maintenance and improvements across departments, a process the Los Angeles Times editorial said must be done transparently to let residents hold officials accountable. ABC7 reported that as of Wednesday, the sidewalk at the center of Heravi's case had not been fixed.
