A Jack Russell terrier found in a “shocking” condition with a huge tumour covering the right side of her face has made a remarkable recovery.
The six-year-old dog was rescued in Harlow, Essex, in September after the RSPCA found her with an untreated tumour which had ulcerated and burst.
RSPCA inspector Rebecca Benson said the tumour was so bad, she could smell the infection before she saw the pet.
She said: “I was absolutely in shock when I saw the size of the tumour.
“Thankfully, her owner signed her over to the RSPCA as she couldn’t afford the treatment for her tumour”.
Ms Benson said she could not forget about the terrier, now named Ellie, and decided to adopt her once she had recovered from surgery.
She added: “I was amazed when the vet said that the tumour had been removed and that Ellie had a good chance of recovering.
“It was that moment I decided – she would be coming home with me once she was better.”
Ellie, who is now tumour free, now lives with her new owner and Chihuahua-cross Odin.
Maria Draper, 48, of Shawbridge, Harlow, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering by failing to provide veterinary care for a tumour at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on February 4.
She was sentenced to 18 weeks in prison, suspended for 12 months, ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work and told to pay £380.
