A DEAF dog found abandoned in Bradford is being trained to respond to sign language in a bid to help her be rehomed.

Polo, a five-year-old crossbreed, is missing the tips of her ears after they were cropped - a procedure which is illegal in England and Wales.

Now, she is learning sign language at an RSPCA rescue centre in the hope that the new skills will help her find a home.

A team from the animal charity found Polo - who was pregnant - chained at an industrial estate in Bradford in April last year.

Joanne Taylor, an RSPCA inspector, said: "Polo was suffering from a prolapse which needed immediate veterinary attention.

"When we got her to the vets a quick check revealed she was also pregnant and she gave birth to one puppy in RSPCA care."

Polo and her puppy, named Daisy, were subsequently taken to the RSPCA's branch in Southport, Merseyside.

Daisy has been rehomed while Polo is still waiting to be taken in by new owners.

Lily Dickinson, fostering and adoption co-ordinator at the RSPCA's Southport branch, described Polo as a "lovely girl" who enjoys going for walks, adding she has been "picking up (sign language) really well" and hopes a new owner can give her the happy life she deserves.

Ms Dickinson said: "She's a really quick learner and it's been lovely working with her as she thoroughly enjoys engaging with training and walks nicely on the lead.

"We've taught her a good recall using hand gestures as well as signs for sit, lie down, drop and find it.

"I hope there's someone out there who can show her the love that she deserves and give her a really wonderful life.

"Polo is a kind soul - we even use her as our introduction dog for our new arrivals as she's so laid-back and friendly.

"She's also really playful and has lots of love to give.

"She's a big girl and can be strong, so needs new owners who understand that, as well as adopters who are willing to continue using her sign language and teaching her to respond to hand signals."

Ms Dickinson added: "She's had her ears cropped but we don't want people to be put off by the mutilation she's sadly had to suffer.

"We hope that the right owners won't be deterred by this, or by her deafness, and we really want people to see her for the lovely girl she is."