A starved and beaten dog saved by Limerick Animal Welfare has been given a new home in America.

Two year old Lurcher Lily was described as a barely living skeleton by Limerick Animal Welfare when found in September.

The greyhound cross was abandoned on the Limerick/Cork border near Charleville.

Welfare volunteers feared disease ravaged Lily wopuld not survive.

Niamh Allen of LAW said:,"We believe Lily was used for hunting but was then dumped by her owners after contracting mange- despite it being very easy to treat."

Lily made an amazing recovery thanks to volunteer Rosemary Warren and last weekend was flown by LAW to her new home in New Jersey. "Her story was on our website and touched people around the world," said Ms Allen.

"One was Elizabeth Rush, an american lady who helps us rehouse Lurchers. She found Lily a lovely new home in the USA."

For more information visit www.limerickanimalwelfare.com