A family member abusing dog…

TW- abuse. Very long post can skip to the end to see my ultimate question/ point.

This family member will not be a part of my life when I know the dog is safe.

My uncle has an 11 month old puppy who is absolutely terrified of him. He cowers when he is near him and hides in the corner etc.

I’ve not seen my uncle in over a year so had no idea any of this was happening but I saw him and the dog Yesterday and he was so nasty to this dog. Admitting he hits him and bites him (??!!) etc. says the dog gets hit and kicked about and doesn’t get over it for days and it does his head in.

He left the dog in his van for an hour because he said ‘he’s a prick acting scared because I was rough and told him off’. He was told off for getting muddy on a walk btw.

When he finally let him in my house he naturally went up to my dog foods bowl and licked it (nothing was in it) and he went in there and lost his shit at the poor puppy. The dog cried and hid in the corner which wound him up more so he became more aggressive. We tried to interfere but when we did he was even worse to the dog- like he was trying to prove a point…

This dog is so so well behaved, knows loads of tricks, listens well, doesn’t do anything without permission for the most part, but out of pure fear. Even when he is getting affection from him he is shaking and has his tale between his legs.

He barked once as he left him in my garden (for 10 mins) and he got very told off for it. Like grabbed him and threw him in.

He told us one of his neighbours reported him to the RSPCA for leaving him outside all day and for stuff they heard but they couldn’t do anything because he has food, water and a shelter. However I have still reported him and so have my other family members.

He constantly says he wants to get rid of him. I’ve offered to take him and so has another family member but he says he’s not sure and he might want to sell him. The more we offer the more he won’t give him up it seems. I’ve offered once again but said I’ll pay for him and said I was looking for a dog anyway to seem more casual but no reply yet…

Is there anything else we can do? This poor puppy is on my mind constantly. I can’t believe this family member is like this. It’s shocked me too my core. My grandad abused dogs badly (he is dead now thankfully) and he’s acting just like him.

RSPCA seem like they can’t do much and all I can do is offer to buy him. Does any one have any advice at all?? My heart hurts for this puppy. No animal deserves this.

Edit; Thank you all for the great advice. I’m getting that dog no matter what. I will update you in the coming days!

Edit 30/11/2022: he has allowed me to buy the dog for £2000- unbelievably over the amount he paid but can’t put a price on this dog and it’s safety. I will get him in a week or two (too long but that’s all he can do 😭). I will not be communicating with this family member once the deal is done. Thanks everyone x