A RESCUED greyhound had its throat ripped by a Staffie which was not on a lead.

Now Ruby’s owners are appealing for the savage dog’s owner to be responsible and keep it on a lead.

In a terrifying 30 second savage dog-on-dog attack, Ruby’s throat was held by the Staffordshire-style of dog as her owners, Adele and Paul Haigh, took her for a walk.

The Mount couple say the police are investigating and the dog warden is ready to act on information about the dog’s owner.

Adele, who collects for the Greyhound Rescue, said: “The person who has that dog really needs to keep it on a lead.

“I’ve seen older people walking small dogs and puppies around there, I dread to think what would have happened if this dog had got hold of one of them.”

Adele and Paul had been walking their rescue dogs Polly, aged five, and Ruby, aged six, near to the Sainsbury’s at Salendine Nook last Wednesday at 7pm. As they passed by the recycling bins Paul mentioned the Staffie and said to Adele: “I hope that dog’s got a lead on”.

Within seconds the dog raced 20 metres across the car park and clamped its teeth on Ruby’s neck.

Adele said: “It seemed to go on for a long time, maybe 20 or 30 seconds. Ruby tried to fight back at first and get herself free, but a Staffie has big jaws and she couldn’t help herself.

“My husband kicked it away from Polly and it came towards me. I did the same but it got around the back of me and grabbed Ruby by the throat.

“She tried to fight back but it was too strong and the next thing, she was on her back with it tearing at her throat.

“My husband and I tried to get it off and with the help of one of its walkers, we got it off but it was straining to get back to my dog.

“Ruby was flipped over onto her back and it was coming at her from above.”

Ruby was left with three puncture wounds on her neck and bites to her legs. She was taken to the emergency vet which cost the couple £144.

Adele and Paul also needed a course of antibiotics which cost £15 and were given a tetanus injection each at Accident and Emergency at HRI.

The Staffie was with two young men and dog-lover Adele says it was clear it had had puppies due to its elongated teats. The couple took the phone number of one of the men, but later discovered it had 12 digits instead of 11 so have been unable to contact the dog’s owner.

They’re now appealing for the dog’s owner to come forward or information about him.

Adele added: “We are out of pocket with emergency vet fees and prescription charges, but the main thing is to warn other dog owners that this dog is around the area.”