I might be off base but I doubt it.......I suspect the “friend” who owns the dog is his homosexual lover and this guy does indeed have “issues” which he is taking out on the poor puppy........
It was HIS dog.
The RSPCA confiscated the dog from *him*.
The dog is described as displaying classic symptoms of long term abuse.
She is currently in the vet hospital for her physical injuries and will face long term rehabilitation for her emotional wounds.