More than £10,000 has been raised to pay the vet bills of a cavapoo mauled in a brutal dog attack.

Hugo, a two-and-a-half-year-old cavapoo was savaged after American XL pitbulls got out of a property in Kemp Town on December 4. 

He has been at the Coastway Vets in Freshfield Way since. 

Hugo is still alive, but his broken rib is inflamed and vets are unable to fit him with a support brace because it would rub against the many stitches on his abdomen.

At the time of writing, more than 600 people have donated to the fundraiser, set up by Hugo's groomer and dog walker, to cover his vet bills. 

The target was initially set at £5,000, but has now been raised to £12,000 to cover the growing costs as Hugo stays at the vets for further treatment. 

He has already had two life-saving surgeries, with a large hole remaining open on the side of his neck.

Writing on the fundraiser page, Hugo's owner Louise, who was also bitten in the attack, said: "Hugo's demeanour is quiet and timid - he is a far cry from the confident, barky, hilarious and brave fur ball that he was 10 days ago."

Louise and her partner have already paid nearly £4,500 and the total is expected to be much higher. 

Hugo will need to stay at the vets for at least a few more days and according to Louise costs are averaging £500 a day.

There is a large hole on Hugo's neck which remains open following his most recent surgery.

The risk of infection is dangerously high and Hugo will remain at the vets until they are sure he is safe to return home. 

"The house feels utterly empty and eerily quiet without him. Evenings are so lonely without him on the sofa," Louise wrote.

A total of £10,130 has been raised so far, and Louise said any money not needed for Hugo's vet bills would go to charity.

Louise said: “There are no words to describe our gratitude.

“Thank you is not enough.

“To see that goodness prevails has been so heartwarming, and we will pay it forwards when the community needs us in the future.”