An ex-hunting dog who was found abandoned in a remote Breconshire hamlet covered in wounds, sores and scars is now looking for a new home.

Tally, a 10-year-old lurcher, was rescued by RSPCA inspector Keith Hogben on January 30 after being found abandoned in Garthbrengy, a small hamlet about 10 miles north of Brecon.

She was taken in by the charity’s West Hatch Animal Centre, in Somerset, and is now being fostered by a local family.

West Hatch deputy manager Anita Clark said: “Poor Tally has clearly had a difficult life. When she was found abandoned in Wales, her body was covered in wounds and sores. Her face was scarred, evidence of a life spent hunting wildlife and being forced to fight with badgers and foxes.

“She’s an older dog, we believe she’s around 10, and we suspect she was dumped when she reached the end of her use for hunting and starting to slow down. She required serious dental surgery and really had been through the wars. It took months for her to recover and begin to come out of her shell but now, finally, she’s ready for a fresh start in a loving new home.”

Unsurprisingly Tally can take time to trust new people so needs understanding and patient owners who can give her the space she needs to settle into her new home. She has a strong chase instinct, due to her background, so will need a secure garden with 6ft fencing. She found kennel life very difficult and enjoyed spending time with Anita in her office so staff found her a foster home while she searched for the paw-fect home.

Anita added: “Despite everything, Tally is the most gentle and sensitive soul. She loves to sprawl on the sofa for an afternoon snooze and go out for a little potter in the sunshine.”

Tally can’t be spayed for medical reasons so staff are looking for a home for her without an unneutered male or a male who could become frustrated when she comes into season. She needs some further dental work so her new owners will need to return her for that procedure.

She travels well in the car and is housetrained, and can be left home alone for short periods but prefers having company.

She could live with another calm, friendly dog but tends to ignore other dogs so would also be happy alone. She cannot be rehomed with other animals due to her hunting past.

Anita said: “She’d be best suited to a quiet, calm home where she can enjoy short on-lead walks and time to laze around the house.

“She can be a little reserved at first but, given time, her adorable personality will soon start to shine through. After everything she’s been through, we can’t wait to see her starting a new chapter in her forever home; although we’ll also be sad to see her go.”

Find out more about Tally from her Find A Pet profile or contact the West Hatch team on 0300 123 0747 or [email protected].

To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit our website or call their donation line on 0300 123 8181.