Dog braves blaze to save kittens

Rex Features

A dog named Leo has been hailed a hero after protecting four kittens from a house fire.

All five animals had to be resuscitated by firefighters after the blaze, which broke out on Saturday night at a home in Melbourne.

Officials at the scene dodged fallen power lines to reach Leo, who they said had guarded the kittens. He was found unconscious alongside the litter but has been credited with saving their lives.

"Leo wouldn't leave the kittens and it nearly cost him his life," said fire service Commander Ken Brown.