A family has been left distraught after their beloved Chihuahua was struck in a hit-and-run.

One-year-old dog Hector got spooked and slipped his collar on a walk in Spratling Lane, Ramsgate, before running into the path of a Mercedes in Haine Road at about 6.30pm on Sunday.

The pet was rushed to a veterinary surgery, but distraught owner Jade Watler was unable to afford any further treatment and decided to take him home.

“I can’t afford his X-rays or scans to check for internal bleeding as the vets want £1,000 up front," she explained.

"I’ve already spent just under a grand for oxygen, painkillers and overnight monitoring.”

Ms Watler says the car did not stop after colliding with little Hector.

This was despite the best efforts of the 29-year-old's ex-partner, who tried to flag the vehicle down.

The Road Traffic Act states “a driver is required to stop and report an accident involving animals including horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, goats or dogs, but not cats or wild animals”.

Miss Watler added: “They must have seen my ex-partner running into the road after Hector, waving his arms around to make the traffic aware.

“Other cars witnessed it happen and slowed down, a woman followed the car and got the number plate for us.

“To just carry on driving and not stop, I just can’t get my head around it - it’s disgusting.”

Police have confirmed they received a report of a "car having collided with a dog".

"I just need him to get better..."

Detectives say they were told the vehicle "did not stop following the incident".

Ms Watler says the incident has left her three sons - aged 10, seven and four - shaken as they, too, saw it all unfold.

“They have been traumatised," she continued.

“One of my sons just keeps going over what he saw and is very emotional about it, as we all are.

“He is so upset to see his dog not acting his usual self.”

The stay-at-home mum has resorted to launching an appeal for cash on GoFundMe in a bid to pay for the rest of Hector’s medical treatment.

She says the dog's injuries "are unknown until she can afford his X-rays".

“I’m trying every avenue to find the money so we can find out what damage has been caused as they suspect a fractured back leg," she said.

“I just need him to get better.”

A police spokesman told KentOnline: “We were contacted on Monday, December 12, and it was reported that, at about 6.30pm the previous day, a car collided with a dog in Haine Road.

“It is reported the car did not stop following the incident.

"Enquiries to establish the full circumstances are ongoing.”