The dog reported to be kept in a van for 23 and a half hours a day has been taken in by a single mother from Thamesmead.

Nicola Azab, from West Thamesmead, said her neighbour saw the News Shopper article exposing the dog’s situation, and brought the Great Dane to her on Saturday evening.

Nicola was not aware of the situation with the dog and the van, and only found out about it after she had agreed to take the dog in.

She said: “I don’t know the owner, but my friend removed the dog but couldn’t keep it himself.

“My neighbour is a mutual friend with the owner. I had no idea it had been living in a van.

“I have been walking the dog and people have asked ‘is that the dog from Thamesmead?’ and I had no idea.”

The dog, named Prince, had been living in a van in Titmuss Avenue for two months.

A police spokesperson confirmed they were called in January and officers took the dog to a vet but returned him to the owner.

A concerned resident said the dog was only let out for half hour a day, but following a News Shopper article, Nicola’s neighbour introduced her to Prince.

Nicola said: “I have three children. I am a single mum, so it is so nice to have a dog. He is so loved, he is already part of the family.

“I was told he is 2-years-old. He went a bit mental over my indoor rabbits when he first came in but I think it was just stress. He has calmed down now.

“He has a good home now. The kids are so happy to have him, he will get walked all the time.”

Nicola said Prince is thin but he does not whine or bark.

“He is a great dog, I have been taking him everywhere. He isn’t trained, but he is a fast learner. I am happy to have him.

“I am used to dogs, I used to train and breed border collies.”

The RSPCA had been concerned over the welfare of the dog but said he could only have been removed if he was suffering.

Nicola, who has lived in Thamesmead for a year, has had dogs all her life.

She said: “Prince came just at the right time. My friend had an accident recently so he helps me because I can just focus on him. I am glad we found each other.

Nicola has no plans to give Prince up and said he can look forward to going on holiday with her and her kids.