A HUNT has been launched for the owners of two Staffordshire Bull Terriers that left another pet needing three hours of life-saving treatment.

Six-year-old Kibo was being exercised by a professional dog-walker when she was subjected to a savage attack by two other dogs that were off the lead.

The dog-walker risked her own safety to fight off the animals to prevent them from inflicting even worse injuries.

Following the incident in Lordswood Woods last Monday, details were passed to Hampshire police and Southampton City Council, who are now appealing for witnesses.

The dog-walker, who asked not to be named, said: “A couple of dogs who appeared to be chasing a squirrel ran out of the woods.

“One of them grabbed hold of Kibo quite badly and the other kept jumping in and out.

“I kicked one of the dogs and managed to get the other one off as well. Kibo suffered some pretty nasty wounds.

“I don’t think Staffordshire Bull Terriers are more aggressive than other breeds. It’s just that the wounds they can inflict are often worse because the dogs are so powerful.”

Kibo, a husky-labrador cross, is owned by Kirstie Turner, a 39-year-old nurse from Southampton.

She said: “Kibo has a six-inch injury to her shoulder, plus several puncture wounds on other parts of her body and extensive bruising to her tummy.

“It was a short, sharp attack - any longer and she probably wouldn’t have made it.”

Kibo was treated at the Christopher Carter Veterinary Surgery in Winchester Road, Shirley, and is likely to make a full recovery - but Miss Turner said it could take weeks.

Posters appealing for witnesses have been put up at the entrance to the woods by the city council’s animal welfare team.

A council spokesman said: “If we identify the owners of the dogs we will consider what action is appropriate.”

One of the dogs was black and the other brindle - and one had a white patch on its chest. The two people with them are described as white and in their late teens. One was wearing a grey hoodie and the other a dark blue top.

Anyone with information should e-mail animal.welfare@southampton.gov.uk.