Dog wardens are investigating an attack on a pet dog by a roaming pit bull in St. George's.

The 11-year-old bitch, Queenie, was on a leash in the yard of her owner's house when the pit bull pounced. She was left with injuries to her legs and the back of her neck, according to owner Stuart Matthie.

Mr. Matthie, a network technician, was at work when he received a frantic phone call from his wife Eloise to say his dog was under attack.

"She said, 'Your dog is hurt really bad'. I left work straight away but by the time I got to St. George's, the owners had come to get the dog and it had been taken home," said Mr. Matthie.

"We took Queenie to the vets' and she had to go on a drip overnight and have stitches. It's not how we expected to spend Christmas."

The incident happened at 12.20 p.m. last Wednesday on Mr. Matthie's property in Barry Road.

Mr. Matthie, 42, said: "I feel angry. I think this dog needs to be socialised and trained, or even taken away from the owners as they don't appear to be keeping it secure.

"This dog is not dangerous because it's a pit, it's dangerous because it is wandering the neighbourhood and could attack other dogs."

Animal warden Jeffrey Benevides said: "My wardens have attended the situation and this matter is under investigation.

"Usually in situations like this, if the owner is known we would inspect the property and make sure the dog is properly secured.

"The complainant could also consider taking the owner to court for a dog causing injury."