Something nice happened on my city's perpetually negative bitch-and-moan facebook group yesterday. Someone posted video footage of a dog abuser beating up a puppy in public. Calls were made to the SPCA, Council and Police – who all did nothing because animal abuse laws are largely trumped by the dangerous dog laws; there's little legal power for them to do much until a dog's been tortured far beyond what one should imagine. An angry crowd gathered outside the guy's house, forcing the police to attend for de-escalation and mediation. Puppy was surrendered to a local rescue volunteer. Vets and businesses and individuals are pitching in to help with the costs.
Puppy's clearly still traumatised but has been out for walks and play, is being fed well, and is responding well to being loved.