A POLICE investigation has been launched after a pet terrier was killed by two unattended dogs while out on a walk.

The terrier's owner tried to fight off the dogs but by the time she had managed to chase them away it was too late, and the terrier was dead.

The attack took place in the Manor Vale area of Kirkbymoorside, North Yorkshire, late afternoon on March 21. The two dogs, both huskies, were reportedly off their lead with no owner in the vicinity.

The Maltese terrier, named Fizz, was a rescue dog and the family, who do not want to be identified, are said to be in shock.

A joint investigation by North Yorkshire Police and Brian Dunn, the Ryedale dog warden, is now underway.

Ryedale District Council’s health and environment manager Steven Richmond said there had been a number of incidents in the area, involving both dogs and livestock.

"The council, together with the police, have been dealing with a number of incidents concerning dangerous dogs recently,” he said.

"We urge people to keep their dogs under proper control and particularly to keep their dogs on leads while out walking in the countryside near sheep and other livestock."

A police spokesman said: "Police were called with a report that a dog had been attacked by two other dogs while it was being walked by its owner in Castlegate, Kirkbymoorside, at about 5pm on March 21.

"Enquiries are ongoing, in conjunction with Ryedale District Council."

Anyone with information is asked to phone Mr Dunn on 01653-600666 or police on 101.