AN environmental warden saved the life of a little mongrel dog, mown down by an uncaring motorist.

Long-haired Pepper was left badly injured at the side of the road in Peterlee's Pennine Drive on Wednesday when the driver of the car failed to stop and report the incident.

The appealing wanderer would certainly have died if it had not been for Easington District Council warden Rob Withycombe, who took it swiftly to Janet Lowery's veterinary practice in South Hetton.

In deep shock and with a badly broken leg the mongrel was given emergency treatment by a team at the surgery.

Its ordeal, is however, still far from over as it looks likely the injured leg will have to be amputated.

Named Pepper by the nurses at the surgery because of the colour of its neglected coat, the dog is currently receiving not just medical treatment, but lashings of tender loving care.

Cuddling the distressed dog, nurse Julie Stringer said: "She is a lovely quiet animal and we intend to keep her here until she is fully recovered.''

A spokesman at Easington council said: "This incident serves to show how neglectful or irresponsible owners are endangering not only their pets' lives but also members of the public who could all too easily become victims of traffic accidents if they have to swerve to avoid stray dogs.''

A spokesman at Peterlee Police station, confirmed that accidents involving dogs must be reported.

Once back on the road to recovery a new home will have to be found for the little dog who was rescued from certain death by Mr Withycombe and the experts at Ms Lowery's surgery.