An injured and abandoned hen restored to health by the RSPCA Bristol branch has a new home in the country.

Lady Penelope, as she was named by staff, was found abandoned in a public toilet in the city in February.

She was treated at the RSPCA's animal clinic before being transferred to the care of Bristol Dogs and Cats Home in St Philips.

Deputy manager Lee Coombs, said: "This poor little hen was in a terrible condition. She was very thin, had suffered multiple bite wounds from either a dog or a fox and was understandably very shocked.

"We gave her the name Lady Penelope because of her grace under adverse conditions."

Lady Penelope was fostered by a member of staff until she had recovered from her injuries although she was still very wary of people and other animals.

It took a few months for her to fully recover from her ordeal but now she has found a two-acre home in the country with other chickens.

Bristol Dogs and Cats Home has recently launched their Small Furry Appeal to raise money for the building of larger pens for small animals.

Lee said: "We desperately need help to raise the £106,000 required for this essential new development. We know everyone's belts are tight at the moment but animals Like Lady Penelope are still very much in need of our help and would continue to suffer without it.

"Anything you could spare is gratefully received - every penny really does count."

Bristol Dogs and Cats Home, a part of the RSPCA Bristol and District Branch, provides care, shelter and a re-homing service for nearly 2,000 unwanted animals every year.

The RSPCA Animal Clinic treats more than 12,000 animals a year and provides a 24 hour veterinary service for lost, sick and injured stray animals, subsidised veterinary treatment for people on a low income, a first aid centre for wildlife casualties and 'well dog' clinics for the animals of homeless people.

Annual running costs exceed £1.4 million. Both the RSPCA Bristol Animal Clinic and the Dogs & Cats Home are independent from the National RSPCA and receive no funding from the national charity, Government or the Lottery.