An Afghanistan veteran had his service dog stolen in a brutal attack outside his Bronx home.

Robert Lebron, 44, was attacked from behind as he entered the apartment building on Sunday morning with Mala, his registered service dog.

His attackers punched him and he fled in fear of his life, leaving the eight-month-old puppy standing frozen on steps outside of the building.

She was then led away on her leash by one of the men.

Lebron, who was a ranger in the US Army, has not seen her since. He believes the attack was carried out by an ex-boyfriend of his wife but police are yet to arrest anyone.

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Former US Army ranger Robert Lebron had his service dog Mala stolen in a brutal attack on Sunday

The attackers punched Lebron (left) and then fled with Mala, guiding her away from the steps on her leash (right)

Pix 11 obtained surveillance footage of the brutal assault which took place on Mother's Day.

Lebron walked the animal in a nearby park and was walking up the stairs to go back inside the building when he was punched over the head.

Footage shows him falling backwards while one assailant hovers nearby.

The dog, startled by the sudden attack, froze on the step closest to the building's entrance.

Lebron served in Afghanistan as a ranger in the US Army

Seconds later, she was led away by the other attacker who quickly picked up her leash.

Lebron is now appealing for anyone who may have seen the animal to come forward.

It is not clear what kind of support she provides him and the circumstances surrounding his departure from the military are not known.

He fought back tears as he told how the animal brought him 'unconditional love'.

'What she gives me I can't get from someone else: not a therapist or a family member or my friend. It's unconditional love.

He described receiving the dog as 'one of the most amazing things that has happened to me in a long time'.

'I can take her everywhere to the store, to church, to the hospital - and I do. [If] you see something, say something - because I need her and she needs me.'