French bulldog has eyes removed after hit and run in Greenhithe
A dog has had to have its eyes removed after being hit by a van that drove away after.
Arthur, a grey French bulldog, was left with serious injuries after being hit by the vehicle near London Road, Greenhithe on Friday.
The three-year-old pup was rushed to the vets where his family was told he would need to have his eyes removed.
His owner Peter Lovelock slammed the van driver for driving off and leaving his 10-year-old son, who witnessed everything, screaming when the dog was hit just after midday.
"Accidents happen in this world, but heartless acts such as this are disgusting," he said.
"What kind of person are you to run a family's little world over and watch a young boy scream and be traumatised at he he's just seen, before driving off."
Arthur had ran out of the front door, as he usually did when someone visited according to Mr Lovelock, but was ran over by the van which witnesses claim was speeding down the road.
Mr Lovelock added: "I completely understand accidents happen, but the thing that got me is that the driver didn't even stop, or show any compassion, he just drove off.
"Arthur's having the operation today and we just hope it doesn't affect his character too much, it hasn't been the same since."
The 37-year-old told the Messenger that Arthur was a "naughty, typical little boy" and was "one of the family".
The family have been told that Arthur will need to have eye drops applied every hour when he comes back from the vets.
"The surgeon's were amazed that his injuries weren't worse," Mr Lovelock said.
"He has a cut on his head, some scuffs and a broken eye socket, but there's no brain damage."
Mr Lovelock and his children have set up a social media page for Arthur - named Arhutrsjourney1 - to highlight what it's like for young dogs to adapt to life without their eyes.
They have also set up a GoFundMe page to help cover the £6,000 vet bills and have said any leftover money will be given to blind dogs charities.