A couple watched in horror as two vicious dogs “ripped” into their beloved pet.

John and Christine Ellett were enjoying an evening walk with their two dogs on Saturday that ended with four hours on an operating table for poor Lilly.

As they were making their way out of the park in Palmerston Road, Chatham, two terrier-like dogs came running towards them.

The animals, who were not on leads, pounced on Lilly, a two-year-old Jack Russell-pug cross.

Lilly was pinned to the ground by both dogs and Mr Ellett said they started “ripping into her”.

Mr Ellett, 58, attempted to pull Lilly away but every time he tried, the dogs would attack her again. They even managed to tear off her harness.

The couple’s other dog Andi, a nervous spaniel-cross which was rescued from Greece, was spooked by the commotion and broke free from her lead.

She ran into the road and was almost run over.

Lilly was left covered in puncture wounds.

“The attack has really affected her. She is usually such an outgoing little dog" - owner Christine Ellett

She was taken to an emergency vet where she was heavily sedated and spent four hours on the operating table.

The treatment has cost Mr and Mrs Ellett hundreds of pounds. Happily Lilly is now back at home in Symons Avenue, Chatham.

Mrs Ellett, 55, said: “She has suffered extensive tissue damage and is now on antibiotics.

“The attack has really affected her. She is usually such an outgoing little dog but now she is even afraid of our cat.

“I just hope she comes out of it.”

The Elletts reported the incident to the police who have taken a statement and informed Medway Council’s dog warden.

Mr Ellett has been back to the park to see if he can track down the woman who was with the two dogs. She was blonde and thought to be in her 30s.

The dogs were a little bigger than a Staffordshire bull terrier, with brown fur and were wearing orange coats.

Mrs Ellett added: “We just want to stop the same thing from happening to another dog.

“The woman couldn’t control her dogs. If it was an elderly person walking a dog or a child, they wouldn’t have stood a chance.”

The attack follows new rules enforced by Medway Council which require dogs to be on leads near roads and in some public places. If an owner refuses to put their dog on a lead, they will be fined.