KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 19 — A two-year-old Bulldog-Terrier Pit Bull mix in Sacramento, California that lost both its ears due to an attack by other dogs has found a new home.

This is thanks to a pair of crocheted ears made by a veterinarian technician to improve its chances of getting adopted.

In a statement posted on its Facebook page, Sacramento SPCA said Willy Wonka was adopted by their regular adopter.

The shelter had told KTVU that Willy was attacked when its owner was away.

The owner then decided to give Willy up last month due to costs associated with the dog's care and concerns of another attack.

The shelter's communications manager Sarah Varanini said that while Willy had both of his ears amputated following the attack, the injury did not affect his ear canals and the dog's hearing was intact.

"When he arrived, his ear flaps had already been amputated, but we provided additional care to the area (replacing sutures, keeping the wounds clean),” she said.

Willy instantly won over the hearts of his caretakers and one of those who looked after him was registered veterinary technician John Holmquist, who decided to crochet the dog a new pair of ears, "so he wouldn't feel too out of place”.

Attached to a purple band that wrapped around his head, the cream-colored ears perfectly matched the colour of Willy's fur.

Varanini said Holmquist took special interest in Willy and hoped the accessory would help boost adoption interest, which it did.