A dog so badly neglected she was mistaken for a scrounging fox is "flourishing and unrecognisable" following her rescue.

The German Shepherd, who is named Bluebell, was spotted along Jefferson Road, Sheerness, rummaging through a bin bag in January.

But today, almost a month on since Swale council's dog warden came to her aid, the pup has been filmed with a new spring in her step.

Dog warden Mel Herbert said: "Truthfully, we think she looks unrecognisable.

"Just looking at her coat [makes us feel] like we're watching the start of a shampoo advert.

"Though not fully grown in yet, compared to how sparse [her fur] was in the beginning this is a real step in the right direction.

"Obviously the medicated baths, a balanced diet and coat condition oil are working their magic."

Since being taken into the care of Val Phillips at Valgrays Border Collie and Animal Rescue, Bluebell's weight has increased from 18kg to 21.1kg – and it's still rising.

Mel added: "This may seem like slow progress, but with welfare cases it's always slow and steady wins the race.

"This girl is affectionate, dog friendly and loves to play, even turning her paw to a few agility jumps. What a smasher.

"As with all our strays that find their way to her, Val has worked wonders with Bluebell and we know she'll continue to flourish under her care.

"In time she'll need spaying and to have a mammary tumour removed, so please consider donating to Valgrays Border Collie and Animal Rescue if you can."

Since being rescued on January 18, Bluebell has been receiving lots of treats and toys from the public, which have been donated through the animal rescue which is based in Surrey.

Despite being chipped, she was not registered as lost or missing.

Swale Stray Dog Service confirmed it had located the owner and "will be seeking legal action due to failings under the Animal Welfare Act 2006".