RSPCA WA calls for help as ‘beautiful’ dog Jacko marks 600th day without home, following horrific abuse

A rescue dog, described as a ‘big three-legged bundle of joy’, has been awaiting adoption for over 600 days. And RSPCA WA volunteers are on an urgent mission to find the special someone to fulfil his dreams.

Like many animals who are rescued from dangerous homes, four-year-old Jacko hasn’t had the easiest start to his life.

In January 2022, Jacko was rescued by an RSPCA WA inspector after finding him in a small wired cage in the backyard of a Withers home.

Fronting large wounds across his right chest, shoulder and leg, it was made apparent that his owner had attempted to ‘fix’ the injuries by stapling them shut — only to have the cuts reopening and oozing more blood.

The 25-year-old Bunbury man later stated that the wounds were caused by a kangaroo, which he had stapled closed himself (without any pain relief) — something he also admitted to doing on previous occasions.

The inspector immediately seized Jacko from the property, who was visibly limping and hunched over, to undergo surgery at RSPCA WA’s Animal Care Centre in Malaga.

Fast forward almost two years later, Jacko’s owner has been prosecuted and received a one year ban from owning a pet, as well as a counselling order.

But for Jacko, his fate still remains undetermined, as over the past 600 days he has remained in RSPCA care, a period described by volunteers as “heartbreaking” to watch.

“To see animals passed up for adoption time and time again, especially when you know they would make such a beautiful pet, it’s heartbreaking,” said Shelter Manager, RSPCA WA Emily Smith.

Jacko has been described by many as an “absolutely gorgeous boy” with a huge heart and sweet personality. So to see him still eagerly waiting for a new home with loving owners has urged RSPCA WA to share his story as far as they can.

“He’s been available for adoption since April and I’m genuinely surprised he’s still here,” said Smith.

“We’ve spread his profile far and wide and I can’t believe his special someone hasn’t come to snap him up yet.”

In hopes of reaching that special someone, Jacko’s foster carer has shared a bit more of his “goofball” personality through a “Day in the Life of Jacko”, revealing his love for zoomies followed by big naps.

Anyone interested in meeting Jacko can call the shelter on 9209 9323 to make a weekend appointment or pop into 108 Malaga Drive, Malaga between 9 and 5, Tuesday to Friday.