A SPANIEL rescued from a life of neglect by the RSPCA to become the long paw of the law is due to star on the small screen in the Channel 5 Dog Rescuers show presented by Alan Davies.

Ted’s previous owner was prosecuted and disqualified from owning animals for 10 years after he was rescued from a squalid bedsit by RSPCA inspector Jo Daniel in July 2016.

Ted was taken to RSPCA West Hatch Animal Centre for rehabilitation and rehoming and while staying there he caught the eye of kennel supervisor Sue Dicks who quickly spotted his impressive talent for tracking down hidden tennis balls.

The unexpected journey from unloved pet to prime crime fighter soon began when Sue contacted police dog trainer PC Lee Webb, who has worked alongside the charity to help 14 rescue dogs overcome abuse, neglect and abandonment to become police dogs in the past five years.

Ted impressed the experienced police dog trainer and embarked on the journey that’s seen him qualify as a police dog trained to sniff out drugs, cash and explosives.

Sue said she is delighted to see Ted blossom as she explained how the RSPCA centre came up with a very interesting programme whereby they could give abused, neglected and unwanted dogs a second chance and fresh start with a job that might not have been possible had they not come into rescue.

She said: “Many of these dogs had behavioural problems, either due to them having high energy levels which had not been satisfied in the previous home, or due to having had no training or proper care.

"Many were also suffering from kennel stress and were not coping well in this environment.

"To be able to work and use their natural instincts was the outlet they needed to overcome their frustration.

“In 2011 we became an inspectorate intake centre, which means we now take in the neglected, abused and abandoned animals that inspectors need to bring to us.

"We used to see mostly unwanted dogs due to owners moving house and not being able to take them, marriage breakups and such things, and the dogs generally hadn't been abused.

"This has obviously now changed, and we unfortunately see a lot of neglect and deliberate cruelty.”

RSPCA inspector Jo Daniel said: “Springers are my favourites - they are enthusiastic, happy, biddable amazing dogs who, in the right home, enjoy life to the full.

"To see Ted neglected and left for long hours in squalor was heartbreaking, but to see him now is the kind of happy ending that keeps us all hopeful that we can make a difference to animals lives.”

Alan Davies said: "The Dog Rescuers goes behind the scenes to see the RSPCA at work rescuing dogs from neglect and abuse.

"It's sad to see dogs suffering but always a joy when they are nursed back to health and find loving new homes."

Ted is one of 8,009 dogs rescued by the RSPCA last year - that’s nearly one every hour.