A PENSIONER has been left traumatised after watching a small dog get “torn apart” during a savage attack while on a walk to the park.

The attack happened in King Edward Avenue in Moordown around 10.30am on Wednesday morning.

Margaret Shore, 74, was walking six-year-old Yorkshire Terrier Jimmy for his owners Sonia and Terry Collins who run the Silver Lounge Cafe in Wimborne Road.

They were walking along King Edward Avenue when all of a sudden Jimmy was attacked by a loose Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

“It was just awful,” said Margaret, who lives in King George Avenue.

“He was torn to pieces in my arms and there was nothing I could do to stop it.”

Margaret did try to stop the attack and as a result she suffered a bit to her finger and bruising after she was knocked to the ground by the Staffie.

According to Margaret a couple of builders working on the street saw what was happening and were able to drag the Staffie away.

She was taken to Royal Bournemouth Hospital where she received treatment for her finger and a tetanus injection - but according to Margaret that’s nothing compared to the psychological damage she has received.

“I’m absolutely traumatised by the whole thing and even having nightmares about what happened,” she added.

“I never want to see anything like that again.

“That dog just wanted to kill and as soon as it saw us it just went for Jimmy’s throat.”

Police were called to the incident but the investigation is being led by animal welfare officers who were on the scene within 15 minutes of the incident.

Louise Jones, environmental health manager at Bournemouth council, said: “The dog that carried out the attack is now being held in kennels by the council whilst an investigation into the incident is carried out.”

Jimmy’s owners Sonia and Terry were called to the scene shortly after the attack but unfortunately there was nothing that could be done for Jimmy.

“It was just so terrible and to be honest we are still in shock,” said Terry, 59.

“He had puncture wounds around his back and his fur was covered in blood. All we could do was take him to the vet where he was the cremated.

“Margaret was so brave to try and help Jimmy and we feel awful that she got hurt in the process.

“We are hoping she makes a speedy recovery and feels better soon.”

According to Terry the attack was even more surprising because the couple used to own a Staffie which got on very well with little Jimmy.

“They used to love playing with each other in the garden. So despite this vicious attack I don’t necessarily think it is the breed that is the problem as they can be very loving and kind,” said Terry.

A similar incident took place earlier this month in Boscombe when a Shih Tzu was mauled to death by a Rottweiler in Woodland Park.

And in June a Staffie was killed by another dog while being walked in West Cliff Green.

Both these incidents are still being investigated by police and animal welfare.