See video: Hero cat rescues boy from brutal dog attack

A family cat saved a four-year-old boy from a vicious dog attack outside the his home in California.

17:24 15 May 2014

Tara the cat has been hailed as a hero after she saved a four-year-old boy from a brutal dog attack outside her owners’ home in California. 

 

Captured on a home CCTV system, the little boy was seen riding his bicycle in front of his home in Bakersfield when he was suddenly grabbed by the dog on the leg. Tara, sprinted and threw herself to the dog which was much larger than her, saving Jeremy Triantafilo. Tara’s move sent the dog running off down the road.

 

Jeremy’s mother, Eric, who was watering a tree at the time of the incident said:  "I remember her hitting the dog.” 

 

"But seeing the video and seeing exactly what she did and chased that dog away ... seeing her turn to check on Jeremy then returning to him. She is my hero." 

 

Her husband Roger, added: "The police officer and I both commented on like wow, we've never seen a cat do that before." 

 

According to the couple, Tara had been with them for six years. 

 

"She followed us home from the park when Erica and I were dating. I said if she follows us all the way home we can keep her," Roger said.

 

"She earned her salmon for the year - for life!"

 

The four-year-old was left with a deep leg wound, which required 10 stitches. As for the dog, the police said that it will be quarantined for 10 days before it will be put down.