POLICE and the dog warden were called after Toby died at around 2pm on Saturday afternoon. Ian Lewis, Dog Warden for Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, was also covering Dorchester at the weekend but said it was a police matter.

He said if dogs are not kept on a lead he can issue £75 fixed penalty notices and voluntary control orders but if people are worried about any dangerous dogs they should call the police.

Dorchester Inspector Les Fry, of Dorset Police, said when there is a dog-on-dog attack it is not officially a police matter.

He said: “Our thoughts are with the woman whose dog was killed as we understand how traumatic it is.

“We are looking into any other issues we can deal with to see what action we can take.

“We would like to take some further action but we have to work within the law.”

Inspector Fry said any witnesses with any details about the incident can call PC Mel Caldow on 01305 222222.