TWO teenagers were forced to fight off a Japanese Akita in a bid to save their tiny Yorkshire terrier as it was fatally mauled.

The 18-year-old women risked injury as they “wrestled” nine-year-old Minnie from the jaws of the dog during the horror attack in Haddington.

The women rushed the seriously injured animal to a local vet but the beloved family pet did not survive after her owners said her “intestines and colon were ripped to pieces”.

Minnie’s devastated owner Sam Lavender posted details of Wednesday’s attack on social media and pleaded for information regarding the owner of the killer dog.

Sam said: “One of the most devastating things has just happened to my family.

“My 18-year-old daughter and her friend were walking our gorgeous tiny wee Yorkshire terrier on the narrow path beside St Mary’s Church just before the little bridge.

“A man walked towards them with two Japanese Akitas on extendable leads. One of the dogs savagely attacked our dog.

“The girls had to jump in and wrestle Minnie from the dog. While this man did nothing.

“My daughter ran with her to the vets, They contacted me and we rushed Minnie [to another vets].

“They tried to do what they could but her intestines and colon were ripped to pieces and she died.

“If anyone has any information on who this man is can they please private message me? Thank you.”

The Lavender family also posted two touching videos of Minnie on a community Facebook page, saying: “Minnie was not on a lead when she was attacked; however, she was right by my side and my friend’s side.

“Minnie didn’t even require a lead when crossing roads as she is very good at listening to commands.

“She did not go up to those dogs and 'bark and nip' at them. As you can see from my videos, she is very friendly and we have never had an experience with her bothering other dogs.

“We just don’t want this to happen to any other dogs, that is all.

“I am going to remember her as the happy, friendly girl she is."

Hundreds of concerned locals and animal lovers have slammed the attack after Sam’s post was shared on social media.

One posted: “Just awful, your wee dog wouldn’t have stood a chance. So sorry for the loss of your Minnie.”

Another said: “Honestly people should not have Akitas unless they really know the breed and know how to handle them.”

And a third added: “Sounds like this Akita owner could not control his dogs – so very sad. Poor wee dog, my heart goes out to you all.”

An East Lothian Council spokesperson said: “This was a very distressing incident which resulted in the death of a family pet. 

“The owner of the Akita dog has been advised to have it muzzled when out in public and they have also stated that the dogs will no longer be on extendable leads.”