A DOG has been left with life-threatening injuries after it was savagely attacked by another dog, causing thousands of pounds worth of vet bills.

Scruffy, a border terrier crossed with a Jack Russell, was out walking with her owner Emma Bazell in Bitterne Park, Southampton, when an Akita dog appeared from nowhere and bit the six-year-old dog.

Emma described how Scruffy was shaken and she feared for the worst.

It happened in the early evening on the corner of Bond Road - just 50 yards away from her house she shares with husband Steven.

According to the couple, moments after the attack, an owner of the Akita dog appeared but refused to accept any responsibility for the brutal incident.

And now the Bazells are urging other owners in the area to be keep vigilant and report any similar incidents to Southampton City Council’s animal welfare department.

Steven said: “The other dog just grabbed Scruffy by the neck and shook her wildly, pinning it within its jaws.

“Scruffy dropped to the floor in a lifeless heap and my wife said Scruffy was screaming for me when she came round.

“It was strange because my wife tried to grab the other dog and it went really placid.

“Neighbours came out to help and someone got my but I thought Scruffy was dead.

“She looked torn apart and I felt like that was it.”

He added: “People need to be aware of this dog and also of reporting these incidents to the authorities. If we don’t report it, the owners will never face justice.”

So far the family have spent nearly £6,000 on vet bills to save Scruffy’s life.

Initially they were told by vets that there might be little they could do to save him but with every passing day since the attack, Scruffy is making a comeback.

The city council confirmed it is investigating the incident.

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