A POODLE was left badly injured after protecting its puppy from a loose dog.

Emma Swanwick was walking her two toy poodles outside her home in Waterside Gardens, in The Valley, on Sunday night when the attacked happened.

The 53-year-old had taken the dogs — three-year-old Pippie and her 10-month-old puppy Pierre — out for one last walk at 11pm.

Ms Swanwick's dogs were not on a lead but were walking about 500 meters ahead of her when a large pitbull dog appeared and jumped on Pierre.

Pippie rushed to rescue her pup, who managed to get away into the flats with a bite mark on his neck and back.

Ms Swanwick and neighbours scared the large dog away from Pippie, who was left with cuts on her back and leg, and a number of puncture wounds.

The dog was not on a lead and the owners were nowhere to be found.

Ms Swanwick said: "It was a totally unprovoked attack.

"Ever since it happened Pierre has been frightened. He's such a good natured little thing who likes to be everybody's friend.

"He's never seen anything like that before.

"I would like to track down the dog and the owner. If it can turn up and do that to my dogs it will likely do the same to someone else.

"I would like to make the owners fully aware of what their dog has done to my dogs, they have been totally irresponsible with their ownership.

"What kind of life have they given that dog for it to behave like that?"

Following the attack, both Pippie and Pierre underwent operations at the vet's.

The dog is described as a white pitbull cross with black markings on its head.

The incident was reported to the police and the RSPCA.

An RSPCA spokesperson said: "This sounds like a distressing incident.

"Dog owners should remember that legally they must have charge and control of their animals in a public place.

"If they do not and their pet attacks another animal then they face prosecution, as animals are protected by law."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.