A HEARTBROKEN pet owner is appealing for help after her beloved dog was hit by a car that didn't stop - leaving her with a £12,000 vet bill.

Kate Webb was out walking with her spaniel Jet in Staple Hill, near Taunton, on Monday, when Jet ran off.

Three hours passed as Kate and her friends and family were frantically looking for the 7-year-old dog.

It wasn't until a friend heard a rustle in a ditch near a roadside when Jet was discovered. Luckily, she was still alive, but she was in bad shape.

Kate, 36, from Taunton, said: "She's such a sweet dog. Everyone who meets her, loves her.

"She's not giving up.

"It's confusing, because on the one hand you want to think someone didn't realise what they had done, but on the other, how could you not know?

"I think about her lying there, she would have heard our voices calling for her but she's not a barker.

"It makes me extremely sad.

"Her injuries wouldn't be different, but my name and phone number are on her collar, it's frustrating. I just wish they had stopped."

Jet has been left with numerous injuries following the incident, but remains in high spirits.

Somerset County Gazette:

Jet the dog, who is seven-years-old. 

Kate thought she was going to have to make the difficult decision to end Jet's life, but after consulting with a specialist, she was given hope her injuries could be fixed. But it would come at a steep price - £12,000.

But not being able to put a price on her precious pup's life, she scrapped together the money amid insufficient insurance, but realises she has landed herself in debt to save Jet.

Miss Webb added: "It's going to be a long journey to recovery.

"It's not like I have loads of money, I could do without that debt.

"But I can't put a price on her life.

"I am nearly 40 and I don't have children, she's my fur baby. I can't imagine life without her."

It is against the law to hit a dog with a car and not report it to the police. The Road Traffic Act 1988 sets out a person is required, by law, to report an car accident to the police if it involves a dog, as well as other animals such as horses and cattle.

Avon and Somerset Police has been contacted for comment.

In order to fund the life-saving surgery for Jet, Kate has set up a JustGiving page to ensure the dog gets the help she needs.

So far she has raised around £800 towards the £12,000 goal.

To donate to Jet's surgery visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/kate-webb.