Jake, a former rescue dog, was on a walk in a park with his owner when a woman's screams were heard in the distance.

The fearless hound darted off into a woodland area and found Esmahil Adhami, 18, molesting a woman, aged in her 20s.

Jake lunged at Adhami and chased him away - and stayed with the distraught victim, circling her "like he was guarding", until the police arrived.

His owner, Liz Maxter-Bluck, said Jake had been "incredible" during the incident that took place on Hershall Common, Coventry, last July.

She said: "I heard shouting and screaming but thought it was just kids but Jake ran off into the woods.

"I went to catch up with him and the next thing I knew this bloke is running towards me a terrified look on his face and Jake is about 2ft behind him."

The attacker has since been convicted of serious sexual assault and jailed for four years.

Jake received his bravery award and a medallion from theRSPCA in recognition of his actions that prevented a life-threatening situation.

Mrs Maxter-Bluck said: "He is such a lovely natured dog and is very nosey so I think that was why he went to investigate that day when he heard the screams. After I called the police he stayed alert and close to us like he was guarding us."

She added: "It is brilliant that he is receiving this award from the RSPCA, I am really proud. It is especially touching because we got him from the RSPCA. As soon as I saw him that December in the kennels I wanted him.

"Rottweilers don't always get good publicity so it is great to see a rottweiler being recognised in such a positive way."

DC Clive Leftwich, from Coventry Police, who nominated Jake for the award, said: "From our point of view Jake the rottweiler stopped a serious sexual assault from becoming even worse.

"The dog frightened off the attacker and stayed at the scene until we arrived."

Glenn Mayoll, manager of RSPCA Coventry Animal Centre which cared for and rehomed Jake in 2008, said his team were "immensely proud" of the courageous canine.

"This story just goes to show that a rescue dog can be a great addition to any family," he said.

"Certain breeds of dogs, such as rottweiler's, often stay too long in rescue kennels but I really cannot stress enough that dogs should never be judged simply by their breed and Jake certainly proves this point.

"It is wonderful that Jake is now part of a loving, caring family and that his brave actions are being recognised."

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/Dog-Gets-Award-From-RSPCA-...

How many good and positive stories do we read and see about the wonders of our 4 legged friends? Dog saves family from house fire...dog points out cancer...dog alerts owner to trouble.

Why then are our laws against cruelty or abuse, laws regulating puppymills and the horrific numbers of animals killed everyday in our shelter system for the only crime of being homeless, not changed? All animal lovers should write our representatives and start pushing HARD for tougher abuse laws, mandatory spay/neuter laws, regulations on breeding, and enforcing laws already on the books.