A MUCH-LOVED pet alpaca is recovering after it was subjected to a savage attack by a dog.

Bob the alpaca, who shares a field with two sheep pals in Marsden Hall Road South, Nelson, had his face ripped open in an attack by a Staffordshire bull terrier cross.

Bob’s owner Elaine Smith said the dog chased the sheep around the field before turning its sights on Bob.

A vet was called out to treat the terrified animal and his wound had to be stitched.

However it was feared that seven-year-old Bob would have to be put down if the skin failed to knit across the wound.

Thankfully the wound now appears to be healing well, said Elaine.

Auction worker Elaine, said she did not witness the attack but was alerted to Bob’s plight by a neighbour.

She said: “A Staffie cross got into the field, chased Bob the alpaca and the sheep and brought Bob down.

“His face was a real mess but it’s healing brilliantly.”

Elaine took on Bob and his woolly pals from an elderly neighbour after he passed away, and has looked after them for around three years.

She said: “I just keep them as pets. Bob protects the sheep. He’s very protective. If you approach the sheep he lets you know about it.

“He’s a right character and most people know him. A lot of youngsters come to see him.”

And Elaine has been keeping Bob’s fans updated with his progress via her Facebook page which is dotted with pictures of the affectionate alpaca.

She added: “Fingers crossed. It’s about 10 days now and it’s looking good.

“The wound seems to be healing and remarkably he seems to be his normal self.”

The RSPCA advises dog owners to keep their animals on a lead around farm animals and pets such as alpacas and llamas.

RSPCA inspector, Tony Woodley, said: “No dog owner sets out on a walk to hurt sheep but sadly that is what can happen if the dog is allowed to run loose around livestock.

“Many dogs, if given the opportunity, will chase or show interest in livestock so even if your pet is normally calm, gentle, obedient and docile, don’t be complacent, they can be still be a danger.

“The aftermath of these attacks can be absolutely horrific, sheep with their ears ripped off, their legs bitten down to the bone and their throats torn open.

“Dog owners should also remember that they could be prosecuted and their dog could be shot dead if they are caught worrying sheep.”

The attack at around 4pm on February 26 has been reported to community police but no-one from the force was available for comment.