Small dog's front paws amputated after owner lets fur get so matted it "strangled" the limbs

UNITED KINGDOM -- She was treated so badly her paws had to be amputated – but this dog has got her bark back since being rehomed.

Cheeky, a shih tzu-poodle cross, was so neglected the fur on her front paws matted and wound around her feet so tightly vets had to remove them.

The 14-year-old’s previous owner, Derek Goldsmith, now faces jail after pleading guilty to animal cruelty.

Brighton Magistrates Court heard the ‘shih-poo’ suffered so long because Goldsmith, 64, feared she would be taken from him if he took her to a vet.

Cheeky is now called Florence and has been rehomed with Karan Branagh, who said: ‘Florence is a little darling. She is doing very well and she can now walk on carpet and soft grass.’

Prosecuting David Buck told the court: 'Her paws had become detached. The vet said they'd been lost to strangulation.

'Goldsmith tried to cut Cheeky's hair himself but she would not let him near her. She could not be taken out as she could not walk - he would play with her in the flat. He was aware the matting was affecting the animal's ability to move.'

He added: 'Goldsmith said he was scared because he thought they would take her away.'

The case has been adjourned until December for sentencing.

The dog who is now called Florence, has been taken in by a loving new owner who is helping her adapt to life on two paws.

Karan Branagh said: 'Florence is a little darling. She is doing very well and is adorable, and she can now walk on carpet and soft grass.'

RSPCA Inspector Tony Woodley said: 'Cheeky was in hospital for months and cost the RSPCA thousands.

'She was in a lot of pain. This was long term neglect.'

(Daily Mail - Nov 15, 2013)