The Nowra woman, who wishes to remain anonymous, was walking her four-year-old Jack Russell terrier on a lead along the pathway in Scenic Drive near the children’s playground in Moorhouse Park, when a large dog attacked and killed the family pet, called Evie.

“Evie had just come out of the vet after having a growth removed near her eye and didn’t stand a chance,” the women said.

“The dog came out of nowhere, running free, and attacked.”

She said a couple who were nearby came to her aid and tried to help but there was nothing they could do to save her dog.

“I don’t even know what type of dog it was, or in which direction it ran off, it all happened so quickly,” she said.

“I ask the couple who helped me, to contact Shoalhaven City rangers with any information about the attack and also so I can thank them for their help.”

Council rangers were aware of the attack and have impounded the dog, which will remain in the pound until the owner can prove the animal won’t be able to escape in the future.