An animal loving couple are calling for Government to take action against dangerous dogs -- after their pet was torn to pieces by a pair of savage animals.

George and Cindy Correia's Yorkshire Terrier Ninja was attacked by the two dogs, believed to be a mongrel and an Akita, yesterday morning as it played on the front lawn of the Correia's home on Jennings Road, Smith's.

The dogs, which belong to a neighbour, pounced on the petrified pet before the Correias could act.

Now the couple plan to take legal action in a bid to have the animals destroyed, claiming that the animals have attacked on three other occasions in the past year.

And they also believe that owners of certain breeds of dog should be fined on the spot if their animals are not either on a lead or fenced-in in an enclosed space. They also argue that, once a dog kills, it should be put down immediately.

"I got outside and his guts were hanging out and he was still walking around,'' Mr. Correia said.

"He also had a huge tear in his neck. I wrapped him up and took him to the vet to get him put down.

"Dog owners should be made aware, they should be warned to keep their dogs safe.

"There are too many dogs on the Island anyway. They have to make it tougher to bring them in and tougher for them to breed.

"But the politicians should be doing something -- they're just all talk -- the Government isn't doing enough. The laws need to be changed. Dogs such as pitbulls and Akitas, which are known to be aggressive, should be fenced-in.'' Both Police and the Government dog warden were called to the scene and are believed to have spoken to the owners of the two attackers.

But no further action is believed to have been taken.

Mr. Correia's wife, Cindy, said: "It just happened so quickly. My dog was outside the house and we were inside having breakfast.

"The two dogs came onto our property very close to the house and our dog just had no chance.

"We heard something but by the time my husband got outside the two dogs were running away. We took Ninja to the vet but it was too late.

"This is not the first time this has happened. Our other dog was attacked last year. We're now taking this to court to try and get the dogs put down.

"It's not the dogs' fault but people are not responsible and the dogs suffer.

They shouldn't be allowed out on the loose like that.'' Yesterday's incident is the latest in a number of recent attacks on family pets by so-called dangerous dogs. The number of attacks has risen dramatically in the past 12 months.

And just a few months ago Government vet Jonathan Nisbett was said to be examining what actions his department could take to prevent more dog attacks in the future.

Last night Dr. Nisbett could not be contacted to discuss the matter.