Rescued deaf dog learning sign language with RSPCA

Polo was found chained up at an industrial estate

A deaf dog found chained in a yard is being trained to respond to sign language in a bid to help her to be rehomed.

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

The five-year-old is now learning sign language at an RSPCA rescue centre in Southport, Merseyside, in the hope that it will help her to find a home.

Polo has already learnt the signs for recall, lie down, sit and dropping a ball. The pregnant dog was found in Bradford, West Yorkshire, in April last year, tied up on an industrial estate.

Lily Dickinson, fostering and adoption co-ordinator at the centre, said: “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.”

The crossbreed is learning to respond to hand gestures

Ms Dickinson added: “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.”

Polo's puppy Daisy has already been successfully rehomed.

The RSPCA said it was facing a rehoming crisis in England and Wales after figures from last year showed 42% more animals arrived than were adopted.