A nine-month-old puppy was allegedly kicked into the air by a stranger because he thought the tiny pooch was too aggressive.
Teacher Abbey Hunter, 26, says she was enjoying a sunny day out in Tynemouth on Saturday with rescue pup Mia, a pocket-sized Pomeranian, when the shocking incident occurred.
Abbey adopted the rescue dog the day before lockdown and was sitting with her dog near the Priory when she accidentally dropped the lead.
Excitable Mia ran over to another nearby dog, Abbey said, playfully yapping but not being aggressive and stopping before she actually reached the other dog.
Abbey claims she saw its owner kick the puppy with full force, sending her flying through the air.
As Abbey ran over to her injured pet - which required overnight emergency vet treatment but is recovering at home now - the man got in his car and fled the scene.
Distraught teacher Abbey said: "She's a very vulnerable dog, she's quite scared of other people because she was never walked or socialised before I rehomed her.
"She loves other dogs and goes running up to them - she barks excitedly but she's completely fine, she's never tried to attack a dog.
"A couple walked past with a dog and I'd accidentally let go of the lead and she ran towards them woofing.
"I ran after her saying 'don't worry, she's friendly' but this man just booted her right in front of my face."
Little Mia is on the mend but suffered bruising and was hit with such force that she was vomiting, Abbey said.
While she understands people being protective towards their pets, the Whitley Bay-born dog-lover said it was a massive overreaction and Mia hadn't tried to hurt the other dog.
She said: "I understand people get protective but she only ran over to a dog barking, stopped as soon she arrived to them.
"I would understand if Mia was being violent but she wasn't remotely - I get that you have to step in if a dog is really hurting yours but this a yappy puppy, he could have just picked her up."
Abbey added: "This was a powerful kick, it sent her flying five foot into the air.
"I've never been so upset, it was absolutely horrendous, the dog looked like she was dying. He could have killed her. If that was to her head she would have died."
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: "Shortly before 3.45pm on August 8, police received a report of a man kicking a dog on Front Street, Tynemouth.
"It was reported that a man had kicked a dog after his own dog was attacked by it. Enquiries are ongoing to establish the exact circumstances of the incident."
Anyone with any information is asked to contact police quoting reference number 809 08/08/20.
