Terrifying moment puppy and owner attacked by out of control dogs in Torquay

Salvatore was sniffing around the car park when a large Bully grabbed him by the head

Shocking images show the moment a woman and her tiny puppy were injured by two rampaging dogs during a terrifying attack. It happened outside a block of flats in Torquay as the disabled owner was walking her 11-month old shih tzu called Salvatore through the car park.

A large brown dog suddenly appeared and "grabbed hold of Salvatore by the head", a court heard. The animal, a standard Bully called Boss, was then joined by a smaller Staffordshire bull terrier which also clamped its teeth around the pup.

Part of the horrific incident, which ended with Salvatore and his owner receiving serious injuries, was captured on video from the flats. The footage captures the mayhem, barking and screaming of the scene as the two larger dogs scented blood.

The animals that attacked belonged to neighbours Jane and Susan Potter.

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The mother and daughter pair, aged 55 and 28, appeared at Exeter Crown Court to be sentenced for being the owners and in charge of dogs that were dangerously out of control in a public place and caused injury.

They both pleaded guilty and were each given a community order with rehabilitation days.

Garth Richardson, prosecuting, said it happened on the afternoon of December 15. He said the puppy, an assistance dog for its disabled owner, was sniffing around when the first large dog came bounding over.

The victim initially thought it was an XL Bully but tests later identified it as a standard Bully belonging to Jane Potter. Boss immediately grabbed the small dog, which let out a cry of pain.

The second dog, a Staffy called Lola which belonged to Susan Potter, then joined in, grabbing Salvatore by the rear end. The owner picked up her puppy and tried to hold him aloft to protect him from the jaws of the larger dogs.

"Both the dogs continued jumping up to her dog. Then both dogs proceeded to bite the owner," said Mr Richardson. Her shouts got the attention of Susan Potter who came to the scene and tried to help. Jane Potter also arrived but it was not until two other passers-by intervened that the mayhem ended.

Salvatore's owner suffered multiple injuries, including bites and scratches to her hands, thighs and arms. Salvatore was taken to the vets and needed surgery and stitches to repair multiple wounds where the flesh had been torn. The vet's bill was almost £1,500.

Police seized both dogs. Boss was eventually returned to Jane Potter who was "given strong words and advice" by police about keeping it under control. It is now subject to a dog control order to make sure it is kept on a lead and muzzled.

Jane Potter, of Tramways, Torquay, said Boss was a rescue dog she had bought from a friend. On the day of the incident she had gone out and left it in the care of her mum who let it out while putting out the bins. She said there had been no similar incident before or since and it is now microchipped and insured.

Lola died after becoming unwell in police kennels, the court was told. Susan Potter, of Higher Furzeham Road, Brixham, said she accepted she was at fault for letting the dogs out but it was a "momentary lapse of attention."

Neither defendant has any relevant previous convictions. The victim said in a statement she had been through hell.

"The feeling of two dogs trying to drag me to the ground and hearing my dog scream in pain was horrendous and something I'll never forget." She said she had seen the dogs roaming in the communal area of the flat and said they did not have responsible owners.

Judge Neil Davey KC said Salvatore's owner thought the two dogs were going rip her pet apart and both larger dogs had latched on to the puppy during the attack. He agreed the Potters could have foreseen the incident because there had been no previous bad behaviour.

But he said the injuries were serious and still continue to cause distress.

Both defendants were given an 18-month community order with 20 rehabilitation days. Jane Potter received an additional programme requirement of 27 days due to her mental health issues.