A stunned woman used a walking stick to beat off a golden eagle after it swooped down and snatched her Jack Russell dog.

She was walking with her dog in a field near her home in Barnburgh, near Rotherham, south Yorkshire.

The eagle lifted her pet off the ground with its talons but loosened its grip when she hit it with the stick. The bird circled and swooped a second time before flying off leaving the dog unharmed.

It is believed the eagle has escaped for a sanctuary. Now the RSPCA is warning pet owners to be on their guard.

Golden eagles usually eat smaller prey such as rabbits, cats and squirrels but have been known to eat animals as big as deer.