KIND-hearted Faversham News readers have been coming forward to help a jack russell savaged by a staffordshire bull terrier.

Poppy needs around £2,000 worth of treatment, after she was attacked in the town centre Co-op car park last month.

A special appeal was launched last week to help her owners cover the costs, and a total of £51 has already been donated.

Unfortunately Poppy’s owner Stephen Dinnadge is now in hospital being treated for Crohns disease, but Stephen’s partner Shirley Williams expressed her delight at the support shown by well-wishers.

She said: "It’s one thing after another with Stephen being taken into hospital but Poppy is a bit better.

"She’s a little fighter and we’ve given her a lot of love. Everyone is so kind to think of us."

Shirley said she was shocked by the attack which happened as she was looking after the eight-year-old jack russell.

A staffordshire bull terrier jumped out of a van window and threw Poppy into the air.

"One minute I was looking at her and the next minute she was gone, it was so quick. It was terrible," said Shirley.

Poppy was rushed to Barton Veterinary Hospital in Canterbury for emergency treatment and has since been taken on by Lady Dane veterinary practice on Graveney Road.

She needed 70 stitches in her stomach but complications set in when her wound became infected.

Poppy lives with Stephen and Shirley at Brents Hill.

Anyone who wants to help is asked to call the Faversham News on 01795 534545 or drop into the office at 9 West Street.