A horrified dog owner watched as her beloved pit bull was stabbed to death after an argument with a man in New York's Central Park.
The altercation on Saturday began when one of the man's three unleashed dogs lunged for the woman's German shepherd pit bull mix called Eli.
As the woman, 43, tried to separate the dogs the other dog walker pulled out a switchblade and stabbed Eli.
The wounded pooch was rushed to a local animal clinic but he had to be euthanized.
The stabber ran off and has not been caught.
An investigation was launched but so far no arrests have been made.
Eli's horrified owner was walking with a 51-year-old man and a chihuahua.
The incident happened near 106th Street and East Drive around 8.30pm.
In May, a dog's life was saved despite being stabbed 50 times during a barricade situation in a home in Tennessee.
The Young-Williams Animal Center announced it was closely following Selah’s progress.
A statement read: “Recently we found out that Selah needs more care than anticipated, and Young-Williams was able to pick her up thanks to the Loudon County Animal Shelter.
Although the centre received several offers of adoption, they said they were prioritising the dog's safety.
“For those asking how they can help, thank you for all of the messages, prayers and offers of support for Selah,” the centre said.
Selah was injured and left for dead on May 2.
Authorities say a 24-year-old man stabbed the dog before barricading himself in his family’s basement.
