A TINY Chihuahua-cross died instantly when it was attacked by a Mastiff-type dog in Bournemouth’s Kings Park.

Little Marley’s skull was crushed in the jaws of the bigger dog before its owners walked off, leaving his elderly owner distraught and alone.

Now owner Angie Heath, 73, has warned others to be on their guard and has spoken of her heartbreak at the loss of Marley.

She had taken Marley, a cross between a Chihuahua and a Yorkshire Terrier, to Kings Park at about 10am on Saturday, July 15, when she saw a couple with the bigger dog.

Angie, of Colville Close, Boscombe told the Daily Echo: “I was talking to them because I’m always friendly with other dog owners.

“I asked what sort of dog it was and they said it was a Mastiff-cross. Marley walked around the back of the dog and it just swung road and grabbed him by the head.

“As it dropped him I knew he was dead and I went down on my knees. The couple just put their dog on the lead and walked off.

“I was in total shock, I didn’t know what to do. I just picked Marley up and walked home with him.”

Angie’s neighbour, Catt Young, has called the owners’ reaction to the incident “absolutely disgusting”.

“Angie came back in shock and she had blood all over her. We couldn’t believe what had happened - how could they just walk off and leave her? She’s an elderly lady and they didn’t even help her carry Marley home.

“We’re hoping someone will have witnessed what happened as the owners should be answering for what this dog has done. They need to get it on a muzzle so it doesn’t hurt another dog.

Angie added: “I didn’t know what to do because I’m a dog lover and wouldn’t like to see any animal put down but this is a dangerous animal.

“It needs to be muzzled all the time at the very least.”

She said the dog is large and sandy-coloured. She is unable to describe the owners in detail due to the shock of the incident but the man has mousy, greyish hair, and the woman is blonde.

A spokesperson for the RSPCA said: "It’s heartbreaking that a dog has sadly lost their life following an incident in Bournemouth.

“The RSPCA expects owners to ensure that their dog’s, and their own behaviour in respect of their dog, does not unreasonably compromise the health, safety or well-being of other persons or animals, and it is a legal requirement to keep a dog under control.

"Owners should also be aware that, in general, dogs which use aggression are generally doing so because they feel threatened and so are experiencing a negative emotional state or very simply are unhappy in particular situations.

“If you have a dog that displays aggressive behaviour towards dogs, people or other animals then it is important to seek expert advice, and it may also be necessary to muzzle your dog.

"It is important to get your pet checked by a vet first to rule out any form of illness or injury that could be causing the issue. Your vet can then refer you to a behaviour expert. They need to be someone who has the appropriate skills, up to date knowledge, experience and qualifications as well as someone who works to protect dog welfare. Find a behaviourist on the RSPCA’s website."

They added: “If dog owners are concerned about what to do if they are faced with an unfamiliar dog or if they are in a situation where a dog is behaving aggressively then we would urge you to read our advice at www.rspca.org.uk/aggression.”

A spokesperson for Bournemouth council said: “We’re very sorry to hear about this incident and can confirm that we have received some outline details of the matter. Our dog warden service will be investigating further and we are keen to hear from anyone with personal knowledge of the incident who can help identify the parties involved.”

Catt has set up a crowdfunding page on justgiving to raise £300 so Angie can have her beloved pet cremated. To make a donation, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/cattforangie.