A NEWPORT family told of the terrifying moment a pack of dogs in a "hunting frenzy" set upon their pet.

The group of Jack Russells almost ripped Yorkshire terrier, Ziggy, in half, and left him close to death.

Now Ziggy's owner, Christine Russell, says she will not rest until the owner of the "vicious" pack is found.

The attack happened on Saturday evening as Ms Russell and her eight-year-old daughter, Josie, were walking down Bettws Hill with Ziggy and their two Italian greyhounds.

Ms Russell, of Elan Close in Bettws, said: "We were walking home from my mother's house, just as we always do, when three Jack Russells sprang out of the bushes and grabbed hold of Ziggy.

"They immediately started pulling him apart. It was such a shock, Josie and I were both screaming and shouting.

"It was a really horrific scene, the dogs were in a hunting frenzy and just wouldn't let Ziggy go."

Luckily for the family a 13-year-old neighbour, Jordan Borg, was nearby and came to the rescue, helping Ms Russell get the dogs off Ziggy. Jordan said: "I was playing and saw what happened so I ran over and tried to get the dogs off Ziggy. One of them bit my trainer but we eventually managed to get them off him."

Unconscious and bleeding, with his body almost torn in two, Ziggy was treated by vets in Newport, who didn't expect him to last the night. Ms Russell said: "Luckily Ziggy is doing well, but Josie has really been distressed by the attack.

"She won't walk down that lane any more and I'm not going to walk the dogs in the area again until I know those dogs are under control. "I want to warn local people. The attack happened within yards of a playground, it could so easily have been a child."

PC Anthony Pitt, of Bettws division, said: "If anyone knows the identity of the owner of the dogs, could they contact Bettws police station on 01633 838111."