A killer pitbull that fatally injured a tiny poodle in a park is being hidden in the community so it cannot be destroyed by authorities.

The dog is responsible for a horrific attack at Roy Amer Reserve in Oakden on March 27.

Tiny black poodle DiDi was grabbed by the pitbull – more than three times its size – and shaken violently as its shocked owner helplessly tried to intervene.

media_camera DiDi as a puppy. Picture: Supplied.

Port Adelaide Enfield chief executive Mark Withers confirmed the man believed to be responsible for the dog had been interviewed – but said the pitbull was still missing.

“A warrant was executed in order to seize the dog responsible, however the dog was not at the address,” he said.

“At this point in time the locality of the dog is unknown and investigations are continuing as we work to locate the dog in question.”

media_camera The alleged owner of the pitbull who Tom Chen claims attacked and killed his poodle. Picture: Supplied.

DiDi’s devastated owner, Tom Chen, said he gave chase as the pitbull’s owner fled with his dog, but gave up so he could return to his injured pooch.

“(The pitbull) just kept on biting, again and again everywhere. He wasn’t going for the throat, it was like he wanted to kill him slowly,” Mr Chen told The Advertiser.

DiDi – which means “little brother” in Chinese – was rushed to a vet but went into cardiac arrest before emergency surgery.

Mr Chen – who has nightmares about the incident – said the pitbull had to be caught before it killed small children or other dogs.

Anyone with information is asked to phone Port Adelaide Enfield Council on: 8405 6600.