A puppy born with five legs has undergone surgery to have two of his "lifeless limbs" removed.

Four-month-old Jake is recovering from the operation he underwent just two weeks ago and is adapting to life with just three legs.

The collie-cross's front left leg developed abnormally while in the womb, resulting in two separate, smaller limbs instead of one.

The RSPCA - who took Jake into their care shortly after he was born - said both limbs were useless.

Foster care

Neither of the stumps was able to bear any weight and were getting in his way when he tried to walk or run.

A delicate 30-minute operation was carried out by vets at vets at Bridgefoot Veterinary Centre in Latchford, Warrington, Cheshire.

RSPCA-run Warrington Animal Centre manager Chris Walkden said: "When I first saw Jake I was amazed. I had never seen anything like it before.

"The stumps were not hurting him - they were just two lifeless limbs that were getting in the way."

Sue Waring, a volunteer dog walker at the centre, has been providing foster care for Jake for the last few weeks at her home in Orford, Warrington.

The puppy had been signed over to the care of the RSPCA soon after his birth and the operation took place two weeks ago.

Mrs Waring said: "It is amazing how quickly he has recovered from the operation.

"He is full of life and running around having fun with my other dogs as though nothing was different.

"He fits in so well. He is a lovely dog."