A heartbroken dog owner is appealing for help after her beloved pet was mauled to death.

Care worker Dawn Wooldridge, of Bluebell Road, Swaythling, Southampton, took Micky, her seven-month-old Yorkshire terrier, for his daily walk to Riverside Park in Woodmill Lane between 10am and 10.30am last Saturday.

The 53-year-old said tragedy unfolded when the inquisitive pup wandered over to two Staffordshire bull terrier-type dogs, who proceeded to attack her pet.

Ms Wooldridge said the female owner of the two dogs managed to free Micky, who was named after Ms Wooldridge’s late uncle, before handing him back over to her.

A panicked Ms Wooldridge rushed him to a veterinary surgery, where a shaken Micky underwent treatment.

But his condition deteriorated and vets were unable to save him.

Now Ms Wooldridge is appealing for witnesses or dog walkers, who may have seen the attack take place to come forward.

Daily Echo:

Dawn Wooldridge

Holding back tears she said: “We got into the park and Micky went off to the right with his tail wagging looking to play.

“The dogs were ramming him. The woman was trying to get her dog and to get Micky away, but she eventually picked him up and handed him to me.

“I knew he was in a bad way. He didn’t have any bite marks but he was in shock.

“All the woman said was that my dog came to them. You don’t take your dog to the park with the thought of him being attacked.”

She said the woman with the two dogs was in her 40s and had fair hair. She said a couple walking a black Labrador may have witnessed the incident.

Ms Wooldridge added: “He was only a baby, he didn’t deserve that. He only went to play.

“I am absolutely devastated.

“I feel like I have lost my baby, I feel I have a big void in my life. She needs to be made responsible.”

Anyone with information can contact Ms Wooldridge on 07821 645563.