A FAMILY is trying to track down witnesses after they lost their beloved dog in a collision with a car in Christchurch.

The lurcher collie cross, called Tess (right), was hit by a vehicle in Purewell Cross Road around 8am last Saturday morning.

A woman who stepped in to try and help the injured animal said fellow motorists saw the driver stop and drag the dog to the side of the road before continuing their journey.

Tess was out with her owner in a field next to the road when she ran off and made its way through the field’s boundary and entered the road.

After making it to the scene, the dog’s owner saw a woman carrying the dog and placing it in the boot of their car to take her to the vet.

Christchurch resident Penny Speed was the Good Samaritan and she said she found the dog bloodied and still.

“When I stopped to help Tess, some workmen also came over from van and said they saw the driver who hit the dog dragging her out of the centre of the road and then getting back in their car,” Penny said.

“She had definitely been dragged to the side of the road. Her legs were out behind her and she wasn’t moving.

“I couldn’t feel her breathing, but as I reached for my phone to call the owner she made a gurgling noise.

“It was a terrible accident, but the driver just drove off. I would have felt distraught if it were me but you have a moral obligation to do something.

“On top of losing a much loved pet, the family have to live with these callous acts of another human being.”

Penny took the dog to the vets, but Tess died in her arms.

The incident has been reported to police, who said they are looking into reports of a driver who failed to stop. No arrests have been made.

Jan Ayres, grandmother of the dog’s owner, said the family understand it was an accident, but are deeply saddened by the actions of the driver.

She also said Tess normally responded to calls, but just ran off out of the field.

“We’re absolutely devastated that someone could do this. It’s just disgusting behaviour,” she said.

“Penny was so kind and comforting and we’re still trying to locate the people in the van who also stopped.

“My granddaughter has got two dogs and she lives for them - it is terrible.”