A woman's pet terrier is undergoing emergency surgery after being attacked by a "pack of dogs" which has left him "traumatised". 

Cathy Earle was walking her four-year-old dog Bertie in the woods near Weeting, which is part of the greater Thetford Forest, on Monday evening when the attack happened. 

Bertie was walking off his lead when a group of other dogs appeared, numbering five or six. 

Thetford & Brandon Times: Bertie is a four-year-old terrier crossBertie is a four-year-old terrier cross (Image: Cathy Earle)

Ms Earle said a Great Dane type of dog suddenly leapt on Bertie and had him on his back with its jaws around his neck. 

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According to the distraught woman, Bertie was "screaming" when a man came running up calling off the pack. 

He attempted to pull the Great Dane off Bertie and then shouted at Ms Earle that her dog was acting aggressively. 

Thetford & Brandon Times: He was left with a gaping wound and other cuts following the attackHe was left with a gaping wound and other cuts following the attack (Image: Cathy Earle)

"He called me a stupid woman and that not all big dogs are aggressive," she said.

"I walked away with Bertie and only when I checked him properly did I see the large gash and other cuts.

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"I was very shocked and couldn't speak much."

Thetford & Brandon Times: Bertie now requires surgery and has been left traumatised by the ordealBertie now requires surgery and has been left traumatised by the ordeal (Image: Cathy Earle)

Bertie is due to undergo surgery today to have the large wound stitched up, a procedure that is expected to cost hundreds, if not thousands, of pounds. 

Ms Earle added: "We now have a vet bill to get our dog stitched up but more importantly he is in pain and traumatised."