Video: See how dumped poodles have been transformed

A healthier Mavis with her new owner Sally Firth

Last year the almost unrecognisable poodle-crosses were dumped on the outskirts of Winchester with some taken to Stubbington Ark, Fareham, to recuperate.

All of their fur had to be shaved off as some were struggling to walk under the sheer weight of their matted and overgrown coats.

RSPCA inspector Jan Edwards said she was shocked at the sight of the dogs, eight of which were aged around 18 months, with one a little older at three.

She said: ‘The sight of those poor dogs will never leave me. It’s the worst case I have ever seen.

‘Even if just one of these dogs had been found in this state I would be appalled, but to find nine of them in such a bad way is incredibly upsetting.

‘Everyone who has seen these dogs, even the vets, are shocked by their appearance.’

All of the dogs – Sian, Dave, Faye, Justin, Kate, William, Maria, Martha and Mavis – were re-homed.

One of the dogs that was found in a wretched state near Winchester last year, having its matted fur shaved off

Sally Firth, from Odiham, took in terrified Mavis, who would bark uncontrollably.

She said: ‘It’s been a slow process, but she has turned a corner. And I’m confident she will get there eventually, but I think it will take her another year or so.’

It comes as the RSCPA has revealed the number of convictions it brought in Hampshire has increased.