CHEESY the English bull terrier is a picture of health and happiness.

She is a far cry from the pathetic, underweight animal that was rescued from a Hampshire home where she was forced to live in a small cage without access to food and water.

It is difficult to believe that less than a year ago Cheesy was found along with 11 other dogs living in squalid conditions that eventually resulted in the owner Jane Hill being brought to court and convicted for causing unnecessary suffering to the dogs, two ferrets and a parrot.

Hill, 48, of Gosport Road, Fareham, was banned from keeping animals for the rest of her life but it was left to the RSPCA to care for the animals that were rescued from her home.

Thanks to their care the dogs have been given a second chance with many like Cheesy finding new homes with loving families.

The one-and-a-half-year-old dog is clearly enjoying life with new owners Lisa and Jason Dugan, of St Michael's Grove, Fareham.

The couple knew as soon as they saw the Cheesy that she was the dog for them. Lisa, 36, said: "She is a great dog to have around and loves all the attention she gets. She loves going out and meeting people and other dogs so it's hard to believe the start she had in life."