An appeal has been launched to rehome a dog that was left alone in an empty house for months.

Coco had been left neglected, in isolation, with minimal human interaction before arriving at RATS Animal Rescue in Buntingford.

The charity has now started a 'Coco’s Christmas Miracle’ campaign to find the two-year-old dog a new home.

A Christmas card featuring Coco's story has been sent out, and a 'Hot Cocoa for Coco' event was held at the kennels.

Watford Observer: A 'Cocoa for Coco' event has been held.A 'Cocoa for Coco' event has been held. (Image: RATS Animal Rescue)

The XL Bully faces a tight deadline, as a ban on giving the animals away will start on Sunday, December 31.

From February 1, 2024 it will be a criminal offence to own an XL Bully dog in England and Wales unless the dog has a certificate of exemption.

Anjuli Cooper said: “We are running out of time for Coco, she is a wonderful dog with a beautiful nature who has her whole life ahead of her, and it would be incredibly sad for her to have to live in a shelter for the rest of her life.

Watford Observer: A ban on giving XL Bullies away will begin at the end of the month.A ban on giving XL Bullies away will begin at the end of the month. (Image: RATS Animal Rescue)

"We are a small charity run entirely by volunteers, but our team remains steadfastly committed to ensuring we do everything we can to find Coco a safe, loving forever home before it is too late.

"If we can find the right home for her, we will offer her new owners full training and behavioural support once she leaves the kennels."

RATS Animal Rescue has also appealed for residents to write to their MP, asking for more time for XL Bullies to find new homes before the ban is implemented.

Watford Observer: Coco now shows bundles of love, kindness and joy.Coco now shows bundles of love, kindness and joy. (Image: RATS Animal Rescue)

“As a charity we are hoping that the ban on rehoming and owning XL Bully dogs will be delayed so that we have more time to find Coco a home - and would encourage everyone to write to their MP as a matter of urgency, highlighting the concerns around the government’s proposals.

"Please also support us by sharing Coco’s story far and wide, as we still have a few precious weeks to find her a well-deserved happy-ever-after.”