New lease of life for starved dog

Poppy the springer spaniel has a spring back in her step. The two-year-old is enjoying a new lease of life after being nursed back to health by her new owner.After being neglected for months, Poppy was just "skin and bones" when she arrived at Robert Frost's home in Telford. But after six months of intensive care, love and attention, she has made a full recovery.

When she was rescued by a vet in October last year, she weighed just 7.9kg - compared to the normal weight of a springer spaniel of 20 to 24kg.

Mr Frost, a forklift truck driver from St Georges, said his new pooch was so underweight she barely had the energy to go for a walk.

He said: "When I first got Poppy, she was just skin and bones. She had no energy and could only go for really short works and she was very nervous around us.

"We gave her plenty of love and care and lots of food. At first it was 24-seven, and we had to give her lots of medication.

"It took her a couple of months to get up to a good weight, although I had expected it to take longer.

"She's 18kg now, her coat is a lot brighter and she's got lots of energy. She's a lot happier."

The 37-year-old, who also has three cats, two horses and a border collie, said Poppy had settled well into the family.

"It's just disgraceful what happened to her," he said. "I can't believe how anyone could do it to her."

* Unemployed 26-year-old Laura Hanson, of McCormick Drive, Shawbirch, admitted causing unnecessary suffering to Poppy when she appeared before Telford Magistrates Court on April 21.

She was banned from keeping animals for 10 years and was ordered to pay £500 towards the £1,803 costs of bringing the case to court and treating Poppy.

Poppy looks a picture of health as she sits

with her new owner Robert Frost.

Poppy is enjoying her new life.

The springer spaniel weighed less than 8kg when she was rescued by a vet.

After six months of intensive care, love and attention, Poppy has made a full recovery.