Bruce the dog returned to North Kellyville as RSPCA dispute abuse claims

The story of a dog — which was briefly stolen by ‘vigilantes’ in Sydney’s northwest — has gone viral due to thousands expressing concern for the animal’s welfare. But he RSPCA say the pet is not at risk.

Bruce pictured in his yard. Picture: Change.org

Animal lovers from Sydney’s northwest are demanding a dog be taken from its owners, but the RSPCA say the pet — which was briefly stolen from its yard — is not at risk.

Bruce the dog was reported missing from his owners’ North Kellyville property on June 18, with police confirming he was “taken by unknown persons” before being returned only hours later.

Reports suggest Bruce was found at a property on the Central Coast and it is understood that his owners are not pursuing the matter and no charges or arrests have been made.

The alleged dognapping is the latest twist in an ongoing feud between the RSPCA and an online community of thousands all campaigning for Bruce to be rehomed.

A screenshot from the Facebook group dedicated to rehoming Bruce.

A petition for Bruce to be removed has over 13,000 names and, in the last week, thousands of TikTok and Facebook users have expressed their support for his rehoming.

The movement has even crowdsourced $25,000 offered to Bruce’s owners to give him up.

North Kellyville woman Diya Ahluwalia, who is behind the nearly 4000-strong Facebook group said the campaign started in July last year.

Ms Ahluwalia says she and her fellow campaign organisers don’t know who stole Bruce but wanted to distance themselves from the action and whoever was responsible.

“We don’t know who took him or where he was taken. It has nothing to do with us,” Ms Ahluwalia said.

According to a statement from the RSPCA, inspectors visiting the owner’s property on July 11 last year observed Bruce was underweight but was not chained up and had access to water.

The owner also told visiting inspectors that Bruce had lost weight after a vet recommended reducing his food intake but was “cooperative” with advice to improve his body weight.

In their statement, the RSPCA also said that inspectors had paid a further six visits to Bruce at his owners’ home, with their most recent visits indicating no obvious cause for concern.

“During each of these visits, Bruce has been found in good body condition, free-roaming, with access to food, water and indoor and outdoor access,” the statement said.

“Over many months, our Inspectors have provided ongoing practical support regarding dog ownership, including resources, advice, education and solutions to Bruce’s owners, who have been very cooperative.

A screenshot from the Facebook group with a recent photo of Bruce.

“The images circulating online are not reflective of Bruce’s current body condition or welfare.”

Following Bruce’s brief disappearance, the RSPCA updated their original statement saying they were “deeply concerned and “do not support vigilantism”.

“RSPCA NSW would like to make it clear that we do not support vigilantism by any means and are deeply concerned after being notified last night that someone has taken Bruce from his home,” the updated statement said

“We understand that as a society we are very passionate about our animals and their welfare, and we value this as an animal-loving community. However, we do not under any circumstances condone social media harassment, doxing, or stealing someone’s pet”.

Ms Ahluwalia said people were “frustrated, disappointed and outraged” with the RSPCA.

She said the community would continue to pursue new avenues to ensure Bruce is well looked after.

When approached for comment, the family of Bruce’s owners maintain they are not at fault and that they have the support of both the RSPCA and NSW Police.