Rusty the little Yorkie was savaged and killed by a vicious American pitbull terrier which had been let off its leash.
Police are now warning people to keep their pets under control or face prosecution.
Wendy Redfern, who lives off Lansdowne Road in Crewe, was out walking Rusty and his brother Brandy at 7pm when the pitbull named Dexter attacked.
She said: Suddenly it came tearing round the corner and grabbed Rusty round his waist.
This girl was standing there and I was shouting to her get your dog! but she didnt take any notice. I got the dogs mouth open and it dropped Rusty but then it came at him again. It had him around his neck and was shaking him like a rag doll.
By the time the pitbull finished its frenzied attack, Wendys 11-year-old canine was dead.
The owners of the violent dog were nowhere to be seen.
Wendy, 64, said: Ive had Rusty and Brandy since they were pups. Im distraught. I cant go past where it happened now as I just picture everything over again.
Police launched a civil investigation for a dog out of control for fear the pit bull could strike again and even hurt a child next time. When traced, the owners agreed to have Dexter put down.
PC Andy Kent said: The dog wasnt under the control of someone responsible and had the potential to do a lot of harm. People can be prosecuted for a dog being out of control even for putting someone in fear of being bitten.
People are using these dogs as a status symbol, a weapon or a warning. Its not right. Well prosecute, and it can lead to the dog being put down, as in this case.
If owners know they have a dog thats likely to intimidate, they have a duty to keep it under control and on a lead.
There have been several local violent dog attacks recently, including a girl whose cheek was bitten by a Staffordshire bull terrier, and a man whos arm was gashed open to the tendons by a Rottweiler.
(Crewe Chronicle - Nov 9, 2011)