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Carole Henry says she watched in horror as her 10-year-old pet Cassie was savaged in the neck.

The Labrador Alsatian cross needed 30 stitches and collapsed again the following day.

The 55-year-old owner is frustrated as police say they cannot take action as dog-on-dog attacks are a matter for the civil courts.

She has had to pay a £541 vet's bill and cannot afford to take the Akita owners to court.
Ms Henry, of Sherburn Approach, said: "The vet was disgusted. We nearly lost her. It was horrendous. If she hadn't been so
big, she would have been killed.

"The owner of the dog has not paid any money towards the vet bill. Police say they can't prosecute because it's animal on animal. It is just so unfair. I just don't know what to do.

"I could take this matter to a civil court but as I am working it would cost me legal fees. I only have my own wage coming into my household so am worried about how much this will cost me."

Ms Henry watched in horror as the Akita burst through her locked gate and attacked her pet. She then tried to pull the Akita
off although its jaws were locked.

"My dog was screaming, I was pulling the Akita by its fur, I was in hysterics. I then tapped it on the head which startled it and the dog ran off. My dog was collapsed, there was blood and the wounds were so deep."

West Yorkshire Police confirmed that any legal redress would have to be a civil action.

Under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, it is an offence to allow a dog to be dangerously out of control in a public place or a private place where it has no right to be.

The law states that if a dog doesn't cause injury but an offence is committed, the maximum penalty is up to six months in prison or a fine of up to £5,000 or both.