French bulldog has eyes removed after hit-and-run in Greenhithe
14:49, 09 October 2019
updated: 08:52, 10 October 2019
A dog has had his eyes removed after a hit-and-run.
Arthur, a grey French bulldog, was left with serious injuries after being knocked down by the van near London Road, Greenhithe on Friday.
The three-year-old pup was rushed to the vets where his family was told he would need to have his eyes removed.
His owner Peter Lovelock slammed the van driver for driving off and leaving his 10-year-old son, who witnessed everything, screaming when the dog was hit just after midday.
"Accidents happen in this world, but heartless acts such as this are disgusting," he said.
"What kind of person are you to run a family's little world over and watch a young boy scream and be traumatised at what he's just seen, before driving off."
Witnesses on the road who saw the incident claimed the van driver was speeding.
Mr Lovelock added: "I completely understand accidents happen, but the thing that got me is that the driver didn't even stop, or show any compassion, he just drove off.
"Arthur's having the operation today and we just hope it doesn't affect his character too much, it hasn't been the same since."
The 37-year-old told KentOnline Arthur was a "naughty, typical little boy" and was "one of the family".
The family have been told that Arthur will need to have eye drops applied every hour when he comes back from the vets.
"The surgeon's were amazed that his injuries weren't worse," Mr Lovelock said.
"He has a cut on his head, some scuffs and a broken eye socket, but there's no brain damage."
Mr Lovelock and his children have set up a social media page for Arthur - named Arthursjourney1 - to highlight what it's like for young dogs to adapt to life without their eyes.
They have also set up a GoFundMe page to help Arthur on his new journey as well as donating it to animal charities and trust for blind dogs.
