A MOTHER of two has called for dog owners to take more responsibility for their pets after her cat was attacked and badly injured by a dog.

Janet McKenna, 46, says she watched in horror as her 13-year-old cat Minnie was grabbed by the head and left with wounds to her eye, nose and mouth after the dog strayed into her garden.

She now fears for the safety of her two daughters Josie, nine, and Amy, seven, who were also left traumatised after the attack on Sunday morning.

Mrs McKenna, of Limewood Close, Accrington, said: "I heard screaming from the garden and ran to see what was wrong but I knew instinctively that it was the cat.

"The dog had got into the garden and had her head in it's mouth but when I screamed I distracted it and Minnie ran off leaving a trail of blood behind. I have never seen anything like it and she was lucky to be alive.

Mrs McKenna followed the trail to search for her pet of seven years but she was not found until the following day.

She said: "I could not believe the state of her when we got her back. Her face was terrible and I couldn't help but cry. The children were also crying their eyes out and I'm worried about the effect this will have had on them.

"I'm also frightened now of letting them out and our other cat Jinxy as this dog has tasted blood now and could go for them next.

"This is the third time this dog has been prowling around the neighbourhood and something needs to be done about it. Owners need to keep their dogs under control and either keep them on a lead or muzzle them.

"And parents need to warn their children not to approach strange dogs or it could be a child who is attacked next time."

The family are now awaiting the full results of Minnie's injuries and considering legal action to make the owner of the dog, who is believed to live locally, pay for the veterinary bills and take responsibility for the damage caused.

Hyndburn Borough Council, which employs the borough's dog warden, confirmed that a complaint had been received by Mrs McKenna and that she had been advised to seek legal advice.