How could they? Burglars beat family dog to within an inch of its life and leave it unable to walk

Mila, the 18-month-old Bedlington Terrier, was repeatedly kicked in the head and left with nerve damage meaning she cannot put her front feet on the ground.

The burglars, who left empty handed, struck at a home on Albrighton Road in Halesowen between 6pm and 7.30pm, when 51-year-old Julie Green left the house with her daughter Maddie, aged 16.

Julie said today: "I'm just shocked and heartbroken that someone could do this to Mila. Whoever is responsible is heartless.

"She is the friendliest dog and would greet anyone; even though she is poorly today she has been trying to roll over and wag her tail."

She is now facing vets bills to pay for treatment for Mila, who was a 15th birthday present for her daughter.

She added: "We've had some help with the fees and people have been helping us along. I would ask anyone who can help the police to contact them."

Chief Insp Phil Dolby from Brierley Hill police station, said: "This is a truly heart-breaking case and our thoughts are with Julie and her daughter while they wait for news on Mila's injuries.

"In the meantime I've got officers following up several lines of enquiry as part of this investigation and we are determined to find the perpetrators of this wicked crime.

"This did not happen in the dead of night – there will be people around the Albrighton Road area who could have seen the offender or offenders responsible for the break-in.

"Even the slightest piece of information could assist us, so please if you saw anything or know who did this, please get in touch as soon as possible."

Contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.