A terrified puppy suffered horrific injuries and needed its face wired back together after it was mauled by another dog in Canterbury.

Fifteen-week-old cocker spaniel Simba suffered seven fractures and a suspected punctured skull during the frightening attack on Sunday.

His owner, Milly White, 26, told how Simba was being walked by a friend along a footpath at Langton Lane when it was pounced on.

The beauty technician, of George Roche Road, said: “I was so shocked. His face was totally swollen and you could see punctures and damage to his teeth.

“I took him straight to the vets, covered in blood.

“He has seven fractures to one side of his face, and possibly a punctured skull, but the vet can’t see because of the swelling.

“He had a puncture wound under his neck and he’s having stitches on the inside of his mouth. He’s also lost his back teeth because of the damage.”

Miss White was fearful Simba would not survive the ordeal, but after surgery to wire his broken bones together he was allowed home on Tuesday afternoon.

It is thought he was attacked by a Staffordshire bull terrier being walked with another dog at about 5.30pm.

Miss White said: “People don’t take dog attacks seriously; next it could be a child. If you can do something about a dog attack and it stops a child getting hurt then you should.

“I walk my niece up and down there sometimes and it went through my head it could have been her.”

Police confirmed they are investigating the incident, which was reported on Monday morning.

Spokesman Sally Smith said: “It is reported that a puppy suffered a broken jaw after it was allegedly bitten by another dog. Enquiries are ongoing.”

Simba’s injuries are expected to take 12 weeks to heal.