Julie the terrier was mauled by a rottweiler. Picture: Anna Sloman-Gower

by Sam Lennon

A terrier is recovering after being badly maimed in a savage attack by a rottweiler.

The dog tore into nine-year-old Julie as she was being walked by her owners in Seabrook, near Folkestone.

Julie needed surgery and is still slowly and painfully recovering in a sanctuary.

Dr Anna Sloman-Gower, a volunteer for the Lord Whisky Sanctuary, said: "The rottweiler came bounding out of the blue and viciously savaged the little dog right in front of her owners.

"When they took their dog's coat off they found there were several serious bites underneath. She was covered in open wounds and it was touch and go whether she would survive."

Julie had been brought to the sanctuary by her owners, an elderly couple, on Tuesday, May 8, just after the attack.