A dog who was dumped over a wall into a tangle of barbed wire has surprised her rescuers by giving birth to a healthy puppy.
The terrier - who has been named Ladybird by the RSPCA - was rescued from Levett Road, Barking, on 18 March.
RSPCA Inspector Lee Ricketts, who worked with London Fire Brigade to rescue the frightened dog, said: “We were called after a person walking along Levett Road heard a distressed dog crying on the other side of a 6ft-high (1.8m) concrete wall.
“When they looked over the wall the spotted Ladybird tangled in barbed wire on the other side.
“The homeowner had no idea how the little dog got into the enclosed garden so we believe she’d been thrown over the wall from the street on the other side.
“Ladybird was incredibly distressed and very frightened. Her nails were long and she was missing patches of fur, so she’s not been properly cared for for some time.”
Ladybird - named after the distinctive black spots on her back - was taken to the RSPCA’s Finsbury Park Animal Hospital where staff checked her over. She was very nervous but the team managed to settle her down with some treats and TLC.
Inspector Ricketts added: “A vet checked her over and gave her some pain relief for some cuts and a leg injury, as well as treating her for fleas. There were no signs of her pregnancy; she wasn’t showing at all!
“Then, on Thursday night (21 March), she started trying to make a nest and the team were suspicious so kept a close eye on her. Just a few hours later, Babybird arrived!”
Ladybird gave birth to one healthy puppy overnight on Thursday; and she’s been named Babybird.
“Ladybird is such a good mum,” Inspector Ricketts said. “She is doing really well and is constantly cuddling her little pup. She was so nervous at first and now we can understand why she was so defensive; she didn’t know whether to trust us with her precious baby.
“Thankfully, she’s now realised she’s safe and she’s really sweet. We’ve been giving her lots of attention and she and her new baby are being monitored closely.”
Ladybird isn’t microchipped so the team doesn’t know where she’s come from or who she belongs to.
The RSPCA is appealing for information from anyone who saw the incident or who recognises the dog to call 0300 123 8018, quoting reference 01237423.
The incident took place on the corner of Levett Road and St Erkenwalds Church.