Helen Forbes said her cat had managed to drag itself inside despite serious injuries.

She found it in “terrible pain".

“The vet said she had been attacked by a dog," she said.

“The poor little thing was two days in the vet."

It took another two weeks before her cat could get back on its feet but she is unlikely to fully recover and will carry the effects of the injuries for the rest of her life.

The vet bill of almost $600 has meant Ms Forbes will forego the new refrigerator she had been saving up for.

A couple who were driving passed her house and witnessed the attack provided a description of the dog and the owner responsible. Ms Forbes, who uses a walking stick, said she has seen the man since but had been unable to confront him.

“He walks so quickly," she said. “I've called the animal services people at the government twice but they say I need to find out where he lives. But with a walking stick I can't follow him."

She believed the dog to be a pitbull but didn't blame the dog for the attack. “A pet is only what its owner lets it be," Ms Forbes said.

In 2012-13 Domestic Animal Services processed 1400 dogs.

“Approximately 5 per cent, 76 dogs, of this total number were impounded for being allegedly involved in an attack or harassment incident," a Domestic Animal Services spokeswoman said.

Since 2012 American staffordshire terriers have been at the top of the list for dog attack and harassment incidents while pitbulls have been fourth. Crossbreeds, cattle dogs and German shepherds rounded out the top five.

“Statistically, these breeds are also among the most popular breeds in the ACT," a DAS spokeswoman said. “It should also be noted that there have also been attacks from smaller breeds such as Maltese, cavoodles and dachshund.

“The most important factors in whether a dog is involved in an attack or harassment incident relate to the way it has been trained and looked after."