A dog who was dumped into barbed wire has surprised her rescuers by giving birth to a healthy puppy.

The terrier, named Ladybird by the RSPCA, was found in Levett Road, Barking, on March 18.

RSPCA inspector Lee Ricketts, who worked with London Fire Brigade to rescue the frightened dog, said: "We were called after a person walking along Levett Road heard a distressed dog crying on the other side of a 6ft-high (1.8m) concrete wall.

"When they looked over the wall they spotted Ladybird tangled in barbed wire on the other side.

Barking and Dagenham Post: There was no signs Ladybird was pregnant when she was rescued by the RSPCAThere was no signs Ladybird was pregnant when she was rescued by the RSPCA (Image: RSPCA)

"The homeowner had no idea how the little dog got into the enclosed garden so we believe she’d been thrown over the wall from the street on the other side."

Mr Ricketts said that Ladybird was "incredibly distressed and very frightened".

She was in a poor condition with missing patches of fur and long nails, indicating long-term neglect.

Ladybird, christened after her distinctive black spots, was taken to the RSPCA's Finsbury Park Animal Hospital.

Barking and Dagenham Post: Babybird and her mum are being monitored closelyBabybird and her mum are being monitored closely (Image: RSPCA)

She was very nervous, but the staff at the hospital managed to soothe her with treats and care.

Mr Ricketts explained that a vet examined her and gave her pain relief for cuts and a leg injury, as well as flea treatment.

Yet, there were no signs of her pregnancy.

However, on Thursday night, March 21, Ladybird started making a nest and gave birth to one healthy puppy, named Babybird by the hospital staff.

Barking and Dagenham Post: Ladybird is constantly cuddling her new pupLadybird is constantly cuddling her new pup (Image: RSPCA)

Mr Ricketts said: "Ladybird is such a good mum.

"She is doing really well and is constantly cuddling her little pup.

"She was so nervous at first and now we can understand why she was so defensive; she didn’t know whether to trust us with her precious baby."

He added: "Thankfully, she’s now realised she’s safe and she’s really sweet.

"We’ve been giving her lots of attention and she and her new baby are being monitored closely.”

Barking and Dagenham Post: The new puppy has 'such a good mum'The new puppy has 'such a good mum' (Image: RSPCA)

As Ladybird is not microchipped, her owner and where she came from remain unknown.

The RSPCA is urging anyone who witnessed the incident, or who recognises Ladybird, to call on 0300 123 8018, quoting the reference 01237423.

The incident took place at the corner of Levett Road and St Erkenwalds Church.