A PUPPY was left with horrific injuries after it was mauled by two larger dogs in a public park.

Lisa Brown, the owner of fivemonth- old Alfie, has called for certain dogs to be muzzled in public.

The incident took place on Saturday in Darlington’s South Park while Mrs Brown and her husband, Russell, were taking Alfie, a shih tzu, and their other dog, Lola, a lhasa apso, for a walk.

A man was walking two bullterrier type dogs, one of which was off the lead and ran for Mr and Mrs Brown’s pets.

Lola ran away, but Alfie was savaged. When the owner tried to break them up, the second dog joined in the attack.

“It was just horrific,” said Mrs Brown. “It was like a tug of war.

“It took two fully-grown men – the owner and my husband – to pull them off.

“Dogs like that should be muzzled in a public place. There was a lot of kids about.”

Alfie was taken to Stanhope Park Vets, in Darlington, where he was treated for two 6in wounds and three broken vertebrae.

Mrs Brown said that in time he would recover. Mrs Brown reported the incident to the police and RSPCA, but was advised that because no one was injured, there was little that could be done.

An RSPCA spokesman said: “People who walk with their dogs in parks should make sure that they are under their control. It comes down to responsible pet ownership.”

A spokeswoman for Darlington Borough Council said that in South Park, dogs were only allowed off the lead in the show field area.

She added: “We encourage all dog owners to take a responsible attitude when in public places with their pet and to take the necessary precautions if they feel their dog poses a threat to other dogs and the public.

“Our enforcement officers have the power to make dog owners put their dog on a lead if they feel it is not under adequate control.

“If anyone has concerns about out-of-control dogs in public areas, they can contact 01325- 388777.”