A dog owner has been left 'heartbroken' after her tiny puppy was mauled to death in a Richmond park.

Andreea Vlad, from Lower Richmond Road, said she was ‘still in shock’ after her usual stroll through North Sheen recreation park on July 25 with her one-year-old Yorkshire Terrier Daisy turned to tragedy.

Ms Vlad said the black and brown pup was attacked by another 'Pitbull'-type dog, which Ms Vlad claimed was not on its lead and jumped over a fenced area, provided for dogs to be exercised.

Ms Vlad, said: “I just took my doggy to the park because we always go there – I entered the park and we were doing our normal route around the park and she was on her lead.

“Then that dog just grabbed her and I started screaming for help and there was nothing I could do.”

Ms Vlad said the owner of the other dog pulled it away.

She added: “She was bleeding and crying on the floor and I was in such shock.

“Many people came over and a lady called her husband, as they live nearby, who took me by car to the vet with my doggy.

“The vet told me that she was dead because of the horrible dog’s bite had gone into both her sides and through her stomach.

“It’s not right what happened – it’s not right, I am besides myself and just keep thinking what if I hadn’t gone to the park that day or gone a little bit earlier.”

Richmond and Twickenham Times understand that Ms Vlad reported the incident to the police and the RSPCA after Daisy passed away at Medivet Richmond 24 hour, on Lower Richmond Road.

It is understood the case is ongoing but the owner and police have been unable to identify the owner.

Ms Vlad added: “Everything happened in front of my eyes and I haven’t been able to sleep because I feel so guilty."

“I don’t want this to happen again to anyone else – something must be done.”

An RSPCA spokesperson said: “It is deeply upsetting when a dog is hurt or killed and our thoughts are with the owner of the little Yorkshire terrier.

“We were contacted about this incident and the owner was advised to contact the police to investigate.

“We would like to remind pet owners that they should keep their dogs under control to prevent injury to people and animals.

“If you have any concerns then we would advise owners to keep their dogs on a lead when around other animals.

“Not only could a bit of extra diligence save lives but dog owners also have a legal responsibility under the Dangerous Dogs Act to keep their dogs under control in a public place. The police and the council can prosecute anyone believed to be breaching the Dangerous Dogs Act.”

The council are yet to be notified about the attack.

A Richmond Council Spokesperson, said: “The fenced area in North Sheen Recreation Ground is not for dangerous dogs - it is a fenced area where dogs can be exercised however, they must remain under their owners control.

“The Council have asked Parkguard, to carry out additional high profile patrols of the park, and to monitor dog activity providing education and enforcement where necessary.”