1pm: Pitbulls remain on the loose

On the loose: the two dogs in the Trinity Church Road area



Traumatic experience: Jack was attacked by the stray dogs



Two dogs that attacked pets throughout Hamilton Parish yesterday were still not found as of 1pm today.

A woman whose cat was savaged and killed by the two pitbulls was left devastated by the attack.

She said that the dogs came into the grounds of her home yesterday, in the Trinity Church Road area, and snatched her elderly cat, Emily, from the porch.

The woman, who asked not to be named, added: They were silent, and they were swift, and they were brutal.

One grabbed her by the neck and one grabbed her by the tail end.

Together they ran through the bushes with her.

The woman said she chased the dogs roaring like a lion  thinking I might scare them off.

She added: I finally caught up with them midway across the next yard. They continued to savage her.

But the dogs dropped the cat a short time later and ran off.

The woman said: By the time I got to her, I wasnt able to save her.

The woman added: I couldnt save her, which is heartbreaking.

She said it was the first time she had seen the dogs in her area.

But the woman said: Theyve been all over the neighbourhood.

The Ministry of Home Affairs said the two dogs had killed cats and dogs in the region of Abbotts Cliff and Trinity Church Road areas of Hamilton Parish.

Dog wardens were alerted and a notice sent out at 1pm yesterday advised residents to take their pets inside immediately, as the dogs remained on the loose.

Another resident said the animals had also killed another dog and left a second one badly mauled.

The woman, who also asked not to be named, said the dogs had jumped into her back garden at around 10am and chased her dog and housekeeper, who were able to get inside safely.

She added: These dogs are obviously vicious. They jumped into my back garden twice. They were unafraid of me  they are on a killing streak.

Its frightening, because who knows how many other animals they have gone after. It could be a child.

Concerned residents highlighted the dogs rampage on social media.

A spokeswoman for Home Affairs said dog wardens were in the area working with the owner to locate the dogs.

She added: The dogs  one male, one female  are described as brown/tan pitbull type dogs.

She said members of the public should call police if they spotted the animals.

The spokeswoman said: Although the dogs are not believed to be aggressive towards humans, members of the public are advised not to approach the dogs.

Under the Dogs Act 2008, the owner of a dog that causes death or injury to a person or animal is liable for damages under the Dogs Act 2008.

Anyone found guilty of an offence under the Act is liable to up to six months in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.

A fine of up to $20,000 can be imposed for a second or subsequent conviction.