A BLIND rescue dog, who was moved to a Fenland animal centre after being beaten by his former owner, has been given his sight back.

Staffordshire bull terrier Dodger arrived at RSPCA Block Fen Animal Centre, near Wimblington, last year after he was taken away from Jonathan Bloomfield.

A neighbour had filmed the 37-year-old, from Grimsby, punching the 18-month old pup and the video went viral after being posted on Facebook. Bloomfield was banned from keeping dogs for 15 years by magistrates.

But today, Dodger, who is also deaf, took in the sights around Block Fen for the first time after vets restored his vision.

RSPCA Inspector Stuart Wainwright first met the pup in October last year but was reunited with him this afternoon.

He said: “He’s a completely different dog. Now he has vision he is so willing to learn. It’s fantastic and it will completely change his life.

“It’s a massive happy ending.”

Vets from the Animal Health Trust (AHT) operated twice to remove cataracts from Dodger’s eyes.

Kirstyn Gaunt, deputy manager at Block Fen, said: “Dodger is an amazing dog and everyone who meets him instantly falls in love with him.

“He is just such a loveable character, and when it was discovered he was deaf and unable to see clearly, we wanted to do all we could to give him a second chance.

“We were all in tears when we heard the AHT could carry out the operation for him and give him the gift of sight again – we are extremely grateful to them for their help.”

Animal centre staff will now begin looking for a new home for Dodger, who is still receiving treatment and hourly eye drops.

Vicky Bradshaw, Block Fen’s kennel supervisor, said: “He bonds so quickly with people and he will make such a beautiful companion for someone.

“Since he has got his sight back, everything seems interesting to him. He saw a tractor for the first time earlier and he was so excited!”

Staff are looking for an experienced dog owner in the East region to give Dodger a new home.

Anyone interested can contact Block Fen on 0300 123 0726. For more information email bfasm@rspca.org.uk or call 0300 123 8405.