A DISTRAUGHT pet owner is pleading for help in tracking down the dog that killed her puppy in a savage attack.

Jenna Weeks desperately tried to save her Chihuahua pup as she watched it being attacked by a full-sized Staffordshire bull terrier on the doorstep of her Southampton home.

The 25-year-old from Shirley, said she watched in horror as her small cross-breed puppy called Milo was mauled by a dog that came running towards them.

Holding back tears, Jenna said she had just stepped out of the door to walk the five-month-old puppy when the attacking dog appeared out of nowhere.

It then dived on Milo before locking its jaw on to his neck.

She said: “He grabbed him and was shaking him and biting him and he would not let go.”

It was then the female owner of the Staffordshire bull terrier was on the scene trying to calm her pet down so it would release Milo from its jaws.

But she said the dog continued to keep hold of Milo with its teeth.

Jenna, who had only had Milo for four months, said: “I was hitting him on the nose to get him off but he would not let go.”

Eventually the Staffordshire bull terrier released the stricken animal but it was clear Milo was left with horrific injuries.

With blood pouring from his wound and his mouth, he was rushed to a vet.

His injuries were so severe that it was thought he would require operations that could cost thousands of pounds and would have little chance of succeeding.

He died soon after.

She said: “I am devastated, he was so young,” she said.

After reporting the incident to the police, Jenna is today pleading for help identifying the dog – as well as the owner – who disappeared with her pet immediately after the attack.

Jenna said: “I want people to be aware of this dog.

“Milo’s life was cut short but that dog lives on.

“I just want the owner to come forward. I want her to know what has happened.

“It should have had a muzzle on.”

The incident happened in May Road, Shirley, Southampton, on Monday between 6.10pm and 6.20pm.

The dog was described as a large white Staffordshire bull terrier while the owner is thought to be a woman in her 50s, about 5ft 6in and with blonde hair in a pony tail. She had a young girl with her aged between nine and 10.

Hampshire police said if anyone has any concerns involving attacks by dogs they should contact 101.

Alternatively call Southampton Stray Dog Kennels on 023 8051 0065.