A DOG who was malnourished and had her ears cropped and tail docked to make her look "tough" is searching for a loving new home.

Two-year-old Cane Corso Jess arrived at the RSPCA’s Ashley Heath Animal Centre earlier this year. She was also caring for a litter of six puppies, who have all found new homes.

Hannah Hawkins, the centre’s behaviour and welfare advisor, said: “Poor Jess was underweight, weak and all of her fur had fallen out.

“She was removed from a property where there were a number of dogs and we suspect she has been used for breeding. She was initially very wary of people and quite fearful but, over time, she’s bonded well with staff at the centre and has shown to be good with her doggy friends.”

Jess has remained at the centre so behaviour staff could continue to work on building her confidence and ensure she finds the right home.

“Jess can find some situations worrying and is nervous when meeting new people and visiting new people so she’ll need owners who can take things slow and work with her to build her confidence in a gradual and positive way,” Hannah added.

“We’d really like to find her a quiet home with people who have experience owning large breeds. Any children in the home or visiting must be 16 or over.

“Jess needs time and space to settle. However, once she knows you, she’s such an affectionate, playful and loving pooch. She loves to snuggle into you on the sofa.”

RSPCA staff suspect that the cosmetic procedures were intended to make her look more intimidating.

“Poor Jess has had her ears cropped, a process in which the ears are surgically altered or removed entirely. This is a really unpleasant procedure which can cause health problems and lifelong behavioural concerns,” Hannah added. “Jess has also had her tail docked which again may have been to make her look tough and more frightening.

“Dogs rely on their ears and tails for lots of things, including communicating with people and other dogs, so losing this can make it difficult for them to indicate how they are feeling which can lead to behavioural problems.”

Jess is incredibly sensitive to noise, although it’s not clear whether that is as a result of - or has been worsened by - the loss of much of her ears.

Ashley Heath is currently only open to members of the public who are meeting specific animals for potential rehoming and this must be done by appointment only.

For more information call 0300 123 0749 or go to rspca.org.uk/local/ashley-heath-animal-centre