A DOG who was left tied to a tree is now cancer-free after lifesaving surgery despite being taken in "to be put to sleep".

Six-year-old springer spaniel Daisy was taken in by the RSPCA in October after she was found tied to a tree and is now being cared for by the charity's branch in south Essex.

Mette Summers, from the Essex South, Southend and District Branch, said: "Daisy was taken into a vet to be put to sleep but the vets refused.

"She ended up being taken in by another vet after a member of the public found her tied to a tree, and her abandonment was then reported to the RSPCA."

After being found abandoned in Kent, Daisy had a large mass which was tested and showed she was suffering from cancer.

She needed further surgery to remove another mass, and vets felt the best option would be to remove the whole mammary strip and spay her to reduce the chance of the cancer spreading.

Mette said: "The wonderful news now is that vets are confident they’ve removed all of the cancer and that Daisy is now cancer-free."

The team at RSPCA Essex South, Southend & District Branch have launched a JustGiving appeal to raise £3,000 to pay for the bills as they stand so far.

To donate to the campaign, visit justgiving.com/campaign/daisycancerfree.