Two dogs given a second chance after being found suffering from severe neglect
The owners were banned from owning and keeping animals for two years.
Two dogs have been given a second chance after being found suffering from severe neglect, as the Scottish SPCA reveals it has launched more than 13,000 animal welfare investigations in the past year.
Poppy and Henry were among thousands of animals helped by the charity after concerns about their welfare were raised through the Scottish SPCA’s helpline.
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An inspector who attended the case found the two dogs suffering from severe neglect, with Poppy's condition described as particularly shocking.
Around 1.5kg of matted fur had to be removed from Poppy's coat, while Henry was also at risk of developing a similarly serious condition.
The before and after images showed the dramatic transformation the pair underwent after being rescued and receiving the care they needed.
Following a thorough investigation, their owners, Pete and Helen Doyle, were banned from owning and keeping animals for two years.
The case has been highlighted by the Scottish SPCA as an example of how reports from members of the public can make a massive difference to animals suffering from cruelty and neglect.
The charity has revealed that between September 2025 and September 2026, it responded to more than 63,000 calls for help, with Inspectors and Animal Rescue Officers attending more than 35,000 incidents.
More than 13,000 investigations into animal cruelty and neglect were also launched during the year.
The Scottish SPCA is the only animal welfare charity in the UK with enforcement powers, allowing it to report cases directly to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service.
Mark Bishop, CEO of the Scottish SPCA, said: “Behind every one of those figures is an animal who needed our help and we were there when they needed us most.
“Animal cruelty and neglect have no place in Scotland, and the work our colleagues carry out every day is crucial to protecting vulnerable animals, holding offenders to account and preventing further suffering.
The charity is sharing Poppy and Henry's story to mark international day of charity, while appealing for donations to help it continue its work across Scotland.
It costs around 58,000 every day to keep its work going, with 8,633 animals passing through the doors of its animal rescue and rehoming centres over the past year.
As well as rescuing animals, the charity campaigns for change to legislation designed to prevent animal suffering.
Recent successes include the introduction of the Greyhound Racing (Offences) (Scotland) Act 2026 and the Dog Theft (Scotland) Act 2026.
For Poppy and Henry, however, the intervention has already given them the chance of a brighter future after their lives were transformed from the horrible conditions they were found in.