A distraught dog owner is offering a reward to help catch an attacker who almost beat her pet to death.

Corky, a miniature poodle, was battered about the head in an apparently unprovoked attack after he escaped from his owner's garden in Crawley.

He was found unconscious in the street shortly after. It is believed he was battered about the head with a chain or bar.

Owner Leslie Morgan, 52, of Clive Way, Pound Hill, said she could not believe someone was capable of harming the little black poodle.

She described Corky as a loving family pet who particularly enjoyed playing with her other dog, Poppet, 12.

She said: "Corky got out when the window cleaner came. Normally, he just goes and wanders around and then comes back after five minutes.

"But this time, before I had even put my shoes on to go and find him, neighbours came to say the police had taken him away. They took him straight to the vet.

"He had head injuries and had lost a lot of blood. He was unconscious so the man knew he had damaged him."

Corky lay unconscious until Tuesday night, when he rallied and was taken home.

Yesterday, he was eating and drinking but could not move his front legs.

Mrs Morgan fears he has been permanently injured. She said: "I am taking him back to see the vet but he has lost the ability to use his front legs so it still doesn't look good.

"He is stressed. He knows us but doesn't know what is happening. I will just have to wait and see what the vet says."

Mrs Morgan said she would give a reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the person responsible for the attack. She did not yet know the size of the reward because neighbours want to contribute.

She said Corky was well known in the area and could not imagine him being a threat to anyone.

"Corky is not a courageous dog - he is a nervous dog.

"We have put up posters in shops and distributed leaflets hoping someone can give information.

"I would like to see the person who did this prosecuted."

A police spokesman said the attack happened at about 11am on Monday. Witnesses said a man went up to Corky and started attacking him.

The man is described as 6ft, with short, black hair. He was wearing a black coat.

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Sian Griffiths at Crawley police on 0845 6070999.