A HEARTBROKEN family has been overwhelmed after a big-hearted animal lover offered to pay towards their vets bills when two of their beloved dogs had to be put down after being mauled by a larger dog.

As previously reported in the Worcester News, Tina Brown was walking through playing fields at the back of Carlisle Road, Ronkswood, Worcester with 13-year-old son Ben and two of their dogs, Chihuahuas Rocky and Buddy, when the dogs were set upon by a Japanese Akita.

Both pets suffered catastrophic injuries and had to be put down following the attack at around 4.10pm on Saturday, May 13.

Calls from other readers later revealed that at least six attacks, varying in severity, took place in Worcester that afternoon. All the dog owners who witnessed the attacks described the attacking dog as a Japanese Akita.

Mrs Brown, aged 48, of Canterbury Road, Ronkswood, said the family had been overwhelmed by the donation, made by a city woman who wished to remain anonymous but did not wish to disclose the amount.

She said: "I feel so humbled by it. She is smashing, such a lovely lady.

"I'm overwhelmed to be honest. I have never expected anything from anyone. We both broke down in tears. I've never seen my husband cry.

"There are some nice people about. It gives you a bit more faith in people."

They had been left facing a bill of around £2,500 – around £2,000 to try and save Buddy and £450 for Rocky which included X-rays, an ultrasound, antibiotics, painkillers and the cost of having him put to sleep.

So far the owner of the dog has made no contribution to paying the vets bills, she said.

Mrs Brown said her son, who was bitten on the hand trying to save the family dogs, continues to suffer sleepless nights in the wake of the attack.

Mrs Brown said she could not face going back to the field where the attack took place.

Brian Coley, 73, beat off the Akita with a stick when it attacked his Cocker Spaniel Alfie in Worcester Woods Country Park the same afternoon it attacked Rocky and Buddy.

He says if he had not struck the Akita with the stick he believes Alfie would have been killed.

Rumours that the dog had been put down have now been confirmed by police.

A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: "West Mercia Police is not aware of any other reports of similar incidents in the area and as such, we won't be making any further comment."