A pit-bull-type dog mauled he battled to rescue his beloved pet from its jaws in a terrifying attack.

Veteran Walsall councillor Bill Madeley, aged 74, was walking his West Highland terrier Tuppence through Darlaston town centre when it was pounced on by the animal. He waded in to try to save his pet but the dog turned its attentions on him, biting him on the face and hands while wife Debbie watched on in horror.

The Darlaston ward councillor had to be treated for his wounds in hospital and Tuppence suffered up to seven gashes on his throat, back and belly in the attack. The eight-year-old pet was operated on last night by vets.

Recovering at home, Mr Madeley, a councillor since 1971, said: “We were behind Darlaston Town Hall when myself and my wife were knocked flying off our feet by this massive dog.

“It grabbed our little Westie by its neck and started to shake it from side to side. I grabbed this dog’s jaws to prise out my dog and it bit my face and hands.

“It grabbed my dog a second time, but went for its sides. I grabbed it again, but this dog was very powerful. I had to get my legs around it because it was strong.

“I managed to pull Tuppy out of its jaws again, but it kept trying to to get at her. There was blood everywhere.

“Our little dog ran away and Debbie found her in an alley.

“A little boy then came up to me with Tuppy’s lead – he must have seen what had happened because he was sobbing his eyes out.”

Mr Madeley, awarded an MBE for his services to the community, said the other dog was taken into a neighbouring property by a woman.

Mr Madeley praised people who had rushed to help and the ambulance crew that treated him at the scene before taking him to hospital.

Police are investigating the attack.