The dog was taken to the vet a few hours later, but due to the severity of its injuries had to be put down.

On Tuesday afternoon local investigators called for the culprit to hand themselves in.

Senior Constable Alison Johnson of the Greater Dandenong Crime Investigation Unit said it was too early for police to determine a motive or suspects of the attack, but said it was likely Vuk was stabbed between 2am and 5am on Tuesday morning while the family slept.

"They're very upset; the victim and her family members are naturally very upset," she said.

"Vuk was still alive when they woke up in the morning and then took him to the vet and he was pronounced dead there."