KEY POINTS:
A vicious dog attack on a pet jack russell fox terrier-cross on Tomahawk Beach yesterday afternoon has left a Dunedin family reeling.
Molly, 3, was savaged by a rottweiler and an american staffordshire bull terrier about 1pm.
Last night she had still not been found by the worried family.
John McMecking sustained puncture wounds to his left forearm trying to help his dog, and spent two hours in Dunedin Hospital.
Mr McMecking said Molly had been rescued from the SPCA by the family about three years ago and was a loving but shy dog who often ran away from larger dogs.
"She was a delightful little dog."
He and a friend were running along the southern end of Tomahawk Beach with Molly, who was not on a lead.
"Molly was chasing seagulls and jumping in the surf, as she always does."
Mr McMecking said the two dogs, who were accompanied by their owner, were not leashed either.
One dog rolled Molly over and the other engaged in a vicious attack.
He tried to intervene and was bitten on the arm. Molly ran away and could not be found. His children, wife and two family friends spent the afternoon searching the Tomahawk sand dunes and bush to try to find their pet.
Mr McMecking said: "Little dogs should be able to enjoy the beach as much as big dogs. I just couldn't believe it."
The owner of the two dogs was "quite remorseful" and tied the dogs up at the beach until Dunedin City Council animal control came.
Council development services manager Kevin Thompson said the dogs were destroyed yesterday afternoon and a decision on prosecuting the owner would be made later.
Animal Control staff plan to return to the area today to search for Molly.
-OTAGO DAILY TIMES
