A DOG'S frenzied attack on a family's boxer left the pet’s back legs in shreds and the owner needing medical attention.

Bill Gage, of Cecil Avenue, Sheerness, was walking with his boxer, Saracen, on the canal bank at Southview Gardens, Sheerness, on Sunday night when he saw the black Staffordshire.

Mr Gage, 60, said: “It was a black, bulky animal with the most massive jaws and it just tore straight into Saracen.”

Bob and Sandra Williams, in Southview Gardens, heard Mr Gage’s screams for help, along with a neighbour who came out with a baseball bat.

Unable to halt the attack any other way, the neighbour held on to the blood-soaked pet while Mr Gage wielded the bat in an attempt to break up the dog-fight.

“I don’t know how long it took, I’m told I broke the baseball bat, but that didn’t stop the stray from chasing me and Saracen up the path when the Williams took us in.”

By then, Mr Gage was in a state of shock.

“The Williams, fearing I was actually having a heart attack, called the ambulance and the paramedics checked me over diagnosing hyperventilation.

“I can’t thank them and their neighbour enough for all they did, but I am very fearful of what would happen if it was a little old lady or a child walking their dog that were victims of an attack next time.

“Saracen’s vet bills are already £370. He has had 12 stitches, pain killers and antibiotics and I have to take him back again.”

Police spokesman Sally Smith said: “We ask all dog-owners to ensure their pets are kept in a secure environment.”