Pitbull kills tiny pet chihuahua

Dannevirke Police are appealing to the public to help identify the owner and dog responsible in a vicious attack that mauled and killed a much-loved pet chihuahua.

Robyn Cornish was walking her 2-year-old dog, Pixie, about 6pm Wednesday last week, when a pitbull-cross attacked on the corner of High and Cole streets.

Both dogs were on leads.

"The pitbull saw Pixie and just went for her," Ms Cornish said.

"It all happened so fast. The attacking dog was on us so quickly.

"Pixie screamed and screamed. Oh my God, it was horrendous. I just can't get the sight and sounds of that out of my head."

Ms Cornish and an unknown resident from Victor St were rolling in the gutter together trying to drag the pitbull off Pixie.

"I had my fingers up the pitbull's nostrils, someone else had its jaw, but it was locked into the attack," Ms Cornish said.

"There was blood everywhere, I was covered in it and after it was all over, Pixie died in my arms."

Dannevirke Police and an after-hours security person employed by the Tararua District Council attended the scene but the attacking dog and owner had fled.

Dannevirke Police Constable Maxine Welsh said the attack was concerning and police wanted to locate the owner of the dog.

The owner was described as a slim-built male Maori, who appeared to be aged in his early 20s, wearing black pants and a white singlet.