11-stone dog rescued from cruel owners sheds HALF his bodyweight

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The dog Rusty was taken away from his owners, brothers Derek and David Benton, in March 2006 after RSPCA officers discovered the 11 1/2 stone (74.2kg) pooch was struggling to walk.

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Half the dog he was: Rusty is much healthier and happier now

The dog was also suffering from arthritis, which had been exacerbated by his obesity.

The Bentons, from Fordham, Cambridgeshire, were convicted of cruelty last January, ordered to pay £250 for the RSPCA's legal costs and were given a three year conditional discharge.

After 10 months apart, authorities said the Bentons were allowed to resume custody of the dog on the condition he lost weight.

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Trim: RSPCA officers rescued by Rusty and slimmed him down with exercise and diet

Fat to thin: A healthy Rusty now (left) and obese Rusty as he was a year ago (right)

After regular diet consultations with a vet, 10-year-old Rusty now weighs 6.3 stone (40kg) - nearly half of his original weight.

Owners: David and Derek Benton were convicted of cruelty last year

Vet Alex Wylie, who has been helping Rusty slim down with a combination of a good diet and exercise, is delighted with his progress.

Miss Wylie said: "Rusty has made huge progress. We can now feel his ribs and he has a waistline at last.

"Prior to his treatment and weight loss Rusty was the most disabled dog I have ever seen in practice. However, he now has a proper life again.

"He did literally look like a walrus. There were times when he couldn't get up from his back legs at all. It was horrible to see.

"He is a much happier and healthier dog now, his pain is well-controlled and he walks much better than he could before. He can stand for long periods of time and doesn't tire as easily."