A WOMAN today told of the terrifying moment she wrestled a raging Rottweiler as it savaged a tiny dog to death.

Simon Tomlinson

A WOMAN today told of the terrifying moment she wrestled a raging Rottweiler as it savaged a tiny dog to death.

The Ipswich mother jumped on the ferocious beast and tried to prise its jaws open - but she could not prevent its teeth puncturing the Yorkshire terrier's heart.

She rushed Mitch, who is barely bigger than her forearm, to the vet, but they could nothing for his fatal injuries.

“It was the most terrifying thing I have ever experienced in my life,” said the 41-year-old, who suffered a bite to her hand in Tuesday's attack in Dumbarton Park.

“We were in the park and Mitch was happy as anything. He saw two teenagers and went running towards them.

“I pressed the button on his lead to stop him, but then two Rottweilers came out of nowhere. One of the dogs opened his jaws and caught him around the body.

“I started screaming at the teenagers who were looking after them to do something, but they couldn't restrain them so I jumped on the dog and tried to pull it off. I had my hand in its mouth and tried to open its jaw.”

Eventually the teenagers - aged about 15 to 17 years old, about 6ft tall, slim build and wearing dark clothing including baseball caps - removed the dog and left the scene.

The woman, who only wants to be known as Susanna, was looking after the 18-month-old terrier for a friend at the time.

Mitch's devastated owner, Linda, from Capel St Mary, also spoke out about her loveable pup's big personality.

The 40-year-old woman, who did not to reveal her full identity for fear of reprisals, said: “For that little bundle to be snuffed out like that is unbelievable. I still can't take it in.”

The attack happened around 3pm - about an hour before a similar dogfight erupted in the town centre

Susanna, who needed a tetanus jab and antibiotics for her bite, is now calling for owners to take more responsibility for their pets.

She said: “The people looking after the Rottweilers were teenagers. I don't think they had the maturity or self-control to deal with the situation.”

Anyone with information is urged to call Pc Stephen Carter on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Are dog attacks on the increase? Are owners punished harshly enough? Write to Your Letters, The Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send us an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.