This dreadlocked dog underwent an amazing transformation after being found abandoned in the street

An abandoned dog has not only got a new look but a new home after a singer snapped a photo of his overgrown dreadlocks and shared it online.

Monica Ergueta Romero, known as Monica Ergueta, 39, was shocked when she saw the animal abandoned on the side of the street.

She posted a snap complaining about the way some people treated their animals and asking followers to report the dog’s owner who “left this poor little dog like this”.

The dog pre-haircut [CEN]

The post went viral and she updated it with the location - Pura Pura, in the Bolivian capital of La Paz.

Two days later, she updated followers again with the news that the dog had been found and helped by somebody who had given it a haircut and a wash, and was looking for a new home for the pup.

That’s better [CEN]

The faeces, urine and dirt-soaked fur cut off the dog weighed in at almost 2kg (4.4lbs).

The dog, named Choco by fans, was resuced by Giovanni Aliaga, who managed to catch it in cooperation with members of the animal defence organisation “Ciudadanos en Defensa de los Animales-Bolivia” (Citizens in Defence of Animals-Bolivia).

He could barely see [CEN]

They said that the dog was around 12 years old and had apparently been abandoned when its family moved to a new home and left it behind.

Locals had fed it scraps, but nobody had taken care of cutting its fur.

Giovanni said: “His health state was poor, because his long hair grew so long that he was not able to move properly. When someone tried to catch him, he was usually aggressive, and therefore he was never helped."

Mid-chop [CEN]

After having the haircut, Choco’s fleas and other parasites were removed and he was given a clean bill of health.

A neighbour near where the dog was found has also agreed to adopt him - he’s already been handed over and is settling in nicely.

Amazing what a haircut can do.

All images: CEN