A terrified Scots woman screamed in horror as her nine-month-old puppy was savagely attacked by an off-the-lead dog.
Toni Bennett was walking Ziggy, a Cavapoochon, through playing fields in Aberdeen on Monday when a Staffy-Pitbull type dog appeared and began rag-dolling the pup in a vicious attack.
Nursery practitioner Toni was screaming for help as she desperately tried to free Ziggy from the dog's grip.
The 24-year-old says the dog's owner was nowhere in sight when the animal grabbed Ziggy by the ribs.
Toni told the Record: "I left my house at 7.45pm and headed to the playing fields but noticed it was getting dark so I started to walk back to the centre as it's lighter there.
"A Staffy-Pitbull type dog came running out of nowhere and attacked Ziggy. The dog was throwing him all over the place.
"I ran over to try and get the dog off of him. I was screaming for the owner to come and get him but he wasn't even in sight. The dog had Ziggy by the ribcage, and then a boy ran over to help.
"Eventually the owner turned up and he was kicking and punching the dog in the face trying to get it to release Ziggy. The whole attack lasted a few minutes.
"At that point all I was caring about was Ziggy, he was covered in blood.
"I picked him up and then I heard someone shouting 'help me I've been stabbed'."
At the same time as the dog attack, a 35-year-old man was understood to have been stabbed in the playing fields.
He was rushed to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and currently remains in hospital.
Police have arrested two men, aged 34 and 26, in connection with both incidents.
It is unknown if the separate incidents are connected.
Ziggy sustained serious injuries and was rushed to Veterinary Specialists Scotland in Livingston for surgery.
The dog suffered a punctured lung, broken ribs, puncture wounds, muscle damage and haemorrhages behind his eyes during the savage attack.
He remains in a critical condition.
Toni added: "The vet said he has been one lucky dog.
"The full thing was terrifying. If the boy who helped me wasn't there I don't know what I would have done. I was screaming and crying.
"We go to that playing field all the time. I think it was a case of wrong place, wrong time."
The family have forked out £1,500 to pay for Ziggy's emergency care but the bill is expected to rise above £5,000.
A close friend has set up a fundraiser to help with costs and donations can be made by clicking here.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 8.45 pm on Monday, 6 September, 2021, a woman reported that her Cavapoochon dog had allegedly been attacked and seriously injured by a Staffordshire Pit Bull Terrier in Sheddocksley Playing Fields, Springhill Road, Aberdeen.
"In a separate incident, but nearby, around 8.50 pm, police were called after a 35-year-old man was allegedly seriously assaulted also within the playing fields. He was taken by ambulance to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary where he remains for treatment.
"Two men, aged 34 and 26 years, have been arrested in connection with both incidents. Enquiries are continuing."
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