A DOG owner is devastated after his puppy was left needing veterinary care after she was hit by a car which then drove off.

Paul Oxley was on a usual morning walk with his five-month-old golden retriever, Penny, in Sudbury Road, in Halstead, this Tuesday.

Mr Oxley said Penny was spooked by something and bolted into the road. 

He says her back leg was caught by a car which Mr Oxley says then drove off. 

If you hit a dog while driving you are required by law to report the incident to the police. 

Mr Oxley said: “Penny bolted behind my back.

“Her back leg was in the road and suddenly this red vehicle hit her.

“The bumping noise from the car was like nothing I’ve ever heard and Penny’s howling was just awful."

Paul claims the vehicle continued up the road and put its indicator on before carrying on towards Sudbury.

“What isn’t acceptable is that individual chose not to stop when they should’ve," he added.

One of Mr Oxley's friends drove past him and saw him on the pavement with his puppy, and took the pair to Halstead vet, The Forge.

Penny had five different X-rays, as well as an eyesight and internal organs check, with the vet’s main focus on her back leg and hip.

The vets also advised Penny doesn’t go for walks while she recovers and should only be eating basic foods.

Mr Oxley said: “I really hope Penny makes a full recovery and doesn’t lose her confidence – she’s such a confident, gentle and beautiful dog and she loves people.

“I don’t want her beautiful personality to disappear or for her to become nervous.

“We love Penny so so much and I will definitely consider changing our daily walk routine to keep her safe."

He also said he is very grateful to Halstead’s community for supporting him during this "traumatic time".

"The support from locals has been amazing, more than 100 people have showed an interest in a dog they don’t even know, and we so appreciate it," he said.

Penny is now home with her family and Paul has filed a report to Essex Police.