A DOG owner has spoken of her heartbreak after a hit-and-run led to her pet dog having a leg amputated.

A police investigation has been launched after the car, described as dark grey or black and believed to be a Citroen Berlingo or a similar people-carrier type vehicle, hit Baxter, a seven-year-old Goldendoodle.

It happened on Newlands Lane, Workington, on November 24 near to the bollards linking the street to Ullswater Avenue at about 6.25pm.

The vehicle is reported to have failed to stop and continued onwards in the direction of Moorclose shops.

Baxter was taken to the vets with injuries to two legs.

Sadly he had part of his front right leg amputated due to the severity of the injuries.

Baxter’s owner Vicky Short said. “On Friday evening, our beloved dog, Baxter, managed to wander away from our home whilst we put up our Christmas lights outside as a family.

“Unfortunately, he was knocked over a few minutes later on Newlands Lane and the driver failed to stop, leaving our family pet in a life-threatening condition.

“Thankfully some passers-by responded quickly and got him home to us where we immediately took him for medical attention. 

“Thankfully, Baxter will live. But due to the severity of his injuries he suffered, he has had his right leg amputated and suffered lacerations to his left leg and needed stitches.

“Baxter is a huge part of our family and is the most loyal, loving and happy dog.

 “We appeal to anyone who witnessed the accident or has any information to come forward.”

Sergeant Leesa Edwards said: “We believe there were four witnesses in the area.

“There was a man on a mobility scooter, someone with him on foot; and a man and woman walking with a pram.

“We would ask these people to make contact with officers – or anyone else who may know anything about this collision.”

Anyone with information report online at www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it

You can also phone on 101 – quoting  CR-20231124-0578

Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.