A TERRIFIED young woman and her pet were mauled by a dog during horrific attack.
The 26-year-old was walking her Chinese Crested Powderpuff dog when the pet was attacked by a black and white Staffordshire Bull dog.
Police said the woman was hurt when she attempted to intervene and save her pet.
It happened at around 3.40pm on Monday on the cycle path, near Western Road, in Kilmarnock.
Police are now hunting the owner of the Staffordshire Bull dog, who was with walking with another dog.
Both were off their leads.
The woman was taken to Crosshouse Hospital where she received treatment for minor injuries.
Her dog required emergency surgery and is now recovering.
The owner of the Staffordshire Bull cross is described as a white man, between 55 and 65-years-old, around 5ft 9in tall, of medium build and bald.
He was walking a second dog, a Golden Retriever, at the same time.
PC Richard Pride said: "This was a frightening incident for the owner and the dog, which has left the animal with serious injuries.
"We are appealing to anyone who uses the cycle path close to Western Road in Kilmarnock.
"It's possible the man we are attempting to trace routinely uses that area to walk his dogs.
"Anyone with information is asked to contact Kilmarnock Police office on 101."
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