A DOG-owner is urging walkers to remain vigilant after her Husky was forced to undergo emergency surgery after being 'viciously attacked'.

Carolynne Quayle, from Aberdeen Street in Barrow Island, was walking her rescue Husky, Spirit, on the bottom of St Andrew's street when a Staffordshire Bull Terrier came hurtling towards them.

She said: "I was having a pleasant walk with my dogs Spirit and Tagen, just minding my own business, when a Staffordshire Bull Terrier came out of nowhere and headed straight for Spirit.

"The Staffy was ripping apart Spirit's legs - they were all mangled up.

"There was blood pouring out everywhere."

Miss Quayle said she grabbed the Staffy by the harness but it 'would not go away'.

"I was shouting for help because I couldn't control him," she said.

"The dog just kept attacking and attacking - he was intent on hurting Spirit.

"If Spirit was a smaller dog, he would have been killed."

Miss Quayle described Spirit as her 'best friend' and said it was 'traumatising' to watch her in pain.

"I was thinking Spirit could die right now - it was so frightening," she said.

"He had to be taken to surgery that afternoon for all his injuries which cost me £350."

Miss Quayle reported the attack to the police, but does not blame the dog for the incident.

"I've had Staffies myself and know it's not the breed, it's the owner which is the problem," she said.

"This dog had been trained to fight and needs removed from the owner urgently.

"It's definitely a dangerous dog and could hurt other dogs or even children if it is not found.

"I dread to think what could happen."

Miss Quayle said the attack has made her 'a lot more cautious' on walks and trips out.

"My dogs are constantly on a lead and in my sight," she said.

"I won't be going back to that area again."

She is urging other pet-owners to remain vigilant.

"Please be careful and keep your dogs on a lead. I don't want this to happen to anyone else."