The intruders broke into a house in Halesowen last night and beat a family dog to within an inch of its life.

They struck at a property on Albrighton Road between 6pm and 7.30pm, after 51-year-old Julie Green popped out with her 16-year-old daughter.

When they returned home they found the back door had been forced open and discovered 18-month-old Mila cowering in a bush in the back garden unable to walk.

The pair immediately rushed her to the vets where an initial examination revealed the Bedlington Terrier had been repeatedly kicked in the head.

Her injuries are thought to be neurological, with nerve damage meaninv she's unable to place her two front feet on the ground. Nothing was taken from the house.

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward or for anyone who has any information about who may responsible for the break-in to get in touch.

Speaking about the burglary, Julie said:

“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.”

The family are now worried about paying for the vets bills, as Mila – who she bought as a 15th birthday present for her daughter – undergoes an x-ray to determine the extent of her injuries.

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.”

A Just Giving page has been set up for anybody who wants to contribute, with over £300 of the £1500 target having been raised already. Details can be found at http://bit.ly/1Rwqs02.

A spokesperson for West Midlands Police 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 we'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 infornation is vital".

Anybody with any information is asked to contact West Midlands Police on 101.