POLICE are appealing for witnesses to a savage dog attack leaving a family Labrador fighting for its life in the care of vets.

Seven-year-old golden Labrador Poppy was enjoying a walk in Old Kilpatrick when another dog jumped on her and began ripping at her neck.

Poppy was covered in blood and rushed to the emergency vet where she spent two days undergoing treatment, including surgery on her wounds, which had to be stapled closed.

Owner Sharon Docherty, 47, warned that her nine-year-old daughter – or other children – “wouldn’t have stood a chance” had they been caught up in the fight.

Police have confirmed they are investigating the incident of a dangerous dog around 4pm on September 30.

Sharon was in the glen opposite the Glen Lusset pub in the village when the other dog attacked, possibly an Akita.

She said: “Poppy was standing in the water and my husband could hear a man shouting.

“Then all of a sudden he appeared with this dog - we’re not sure what breed it was but it was powerful dog, a lot bigger than Poppy.

“It just went for her right away, pinned her down to the ground and was biting into her neck. It took a big chunk out of her neck.

“My husband managed to grab it by the collar. Between him and the owner, they managed to get it off her.

“I have a nine-year-old, and if she had been there and it had gone for her, I don’t think she would have stood a chance.

“A dog like that should be in a muzzle and on a lead all the time. A child or a smaller dog wouldn’t have stood a chance.

“[The owner] just put the dog on the lead and walked away – what kind of person does that?

“I’m hoping someone can put together the description of the guy with the description of the dog and find out who it is.”

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact Clydebank police on 101.

A JustGiving page has been set up by Sharon’s colleagues at Clydebank Health Centre to help with vet bills and taxi driver Gary Inglis worked on Monday for nothing, donating all fares and tips to the cause.

Sharon also thanked Vets4Pets for their care of Poppy.