28428LITTLE Yorkshire terrier Milly was happily trotting along by her owner's side when she was viciously savaged and killed by another dog.

Her owners are now calling for dog walkers to put muzzles on dangerous pets, fearing a child could be injured.

Andrew Beaven, 50, a hatchery worker, of Horse Road, Hilperton, was taking his four-year-old Yorkshire terrier Milly for an early evening walk on fields at Hilperton Gap last Tuesday when the pet was attacked.

A stocky white dog, which looked like a bulldog, came charging through a hedge straight for Milly, with its owner strolling behind.

The dog grabbed Milly, who almost disappeared into its mouth.

Mr Beaven grabbed the dog, sat on it and forced its jaws open but by the time he rescued Milly she was dead.

Mr Beaven's wife, Sue, 47, who had wrapped the small dog in a coat to protect her from the rain, said: "It must have broken her throat or back. I imagine she died instantly.

"I really don't blame the owner of the other dog. It was raining and I don't think he thought there would be anyone else around.

"But at the time we were really shocked and just wanted to get Milly to the vet."

The other dog's owner, who Mr Beaven has seen a number of times before, was also shocked and offered to give his address to Mr Beaven.

But in the stress of the moment Mr Beaven rushed off without taking any contact details.

He rushed home and the couple immediately drove Milly to the vet, but it was too late.

He also had to visit to the hospital because he was bitten by the bulldog when he was trying to prise its jaws open.

Mrs Beaven said: "I don't see why people will keep dogs like that as pets."

"This chap was probably just as gutted because he was obviously a dog lover as well.

"Please next time instead of carrying the muzzle in your hand put it on your dog. It's too late for my little dog but next time it could be a child."