A DOG which was one of 69 animals kept at a semi-detached house has been given a new lease of life.

James and Nicola Hood, of Queens Road, Minehead, were banned from keeping animals for eight years in April after admitting nine counts of neglect in relation to keeping dogs, cats, birds and chinchillas in their home.

Many of them were suffering with health problems as a result. Four-year-old Kezzer, a Boxer cross Mastiff, was one of the unfortunate animals the RSPCA removed from the home after the conditions were discovered.

Mark and Jane Rewbury of Taunton took her in four months ago and she is getting on well.

Property businessman Mark said: “We had a dog put down about 18 months ago, so we thought it was time to get another one. My wife and I had a look around and were both drawn to her. She is quite a big dog but she is beautiful.

“We got her from the RSPCA in West Hatch, where she had been for a few weeks and was in a good state. They had given her the name there and we thought she had had enough trauma in her life already, so didn’t rename her.

“She is getting on really well with us – she is really good with kids and everyone else. Ironically, she doesn’t like other dogs, but the RSPCA has been really good – someone comes once a month to help her.

“We are really glad we have been able to give her a good home but we do feel sad that the people who had her before were allowed to get away so lightly – their punishment was so light compared to what they did.”

The RSPCA said the other animals have all been found homes.

When Mr and Mrs Hood appeared in court this year, their solicitor said they were "animal-loving people" who had been trying to care for the dogs.