A DEVASTATED dog owner was left “traumatised” after an attack on her four-month-old Chihuahua meant it had to be put to sleep.

Kristie Skinner, 27, has launched a fundraising campaign to help pay the £700 bills she was left with after the attacking dog’s owner fled the scene.

The incident, in Garland Road, Parkeston, left Mrs Skinner’s family “heartbroken”, with her four and two-year-old children asking when Polar the puppy would be coming home.

A witness who helped at the scene described the attacking hound as having a “kill mode” look in its eyes as the horrific scenes unfolded.

Mrs Skinner, who was in a shop at the time while her sister looked after the pet, said: “I heard lots of screaming and so I ran out and saw Polar in the other dog’s mouth.

“The attacking dog was on a lead and had come flying out of nowhere and grabbed my dog.

“It pulled with such force my sister was dragged across the floor.

“It was so scary for her.

“There was a boy trying to free him while another lady and her son came out their house and had to grab the attacking dog by its genitals to get it to release him.

“The owner stood there screaming and shouting at us and actually walked off, he didn’t take any responsibility whatsoever.”

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Heartbroken - The attack on Polar left him with fatal injuries

Heartbroken - The attack on Polar left him with fatal injuries

Polar suffered a damaged vertebrae, dislocated neck and was left paralysed.

Mrs Skinner was faced with no other option but to put Polar to rest.

She added: It was just horrible.

“My sister and I were going out for evening walks every night.

“We are both traumatised. My husband and children are absolutely heartbroken.”

Essex Police have confirmed they are investigating the incident, which occurred between 8pm and 9pm on February 25.

They are looking for the owner of the dog which attacked the puppy.

He is described as a black man with dreadlock hair past his shoulders and a small beard, about 6ft tall and of slim build.

Mrs Skinner only took insurance out one week prior to the attack, meaning she wasn’t covered when the incident took place.

To donate towards the fundraising campaign, go to bit.ly/3uOuGrJ.