The USPCA echoed the concerns of Cecil Donald (73), saying dog owners should be held accountable for their pets.

Mr Donald was walking his friend's two Yorkshire terriers on Copperwood Drive at around 1.30pm on Friday, April 13 when he was attacked.

He claims a Japanese Akita fighting dog, roaming the streets alone, lunged at him before attacking one of the smaller dogs.

Mr Donald said that, as one of the dogs fled out of fear, the Akita grabbed the other miniature terrier and shook it violently.

"I tried to get the wee dog away from it but it kept holding on," he said. "Then it was trying to get me. I was lucky that I was not physically hurt."

The terrier, however, sustained puncture wounds.

Mr Donald said that, as he tried to rescue the dog, the Akita's owners arrived and unleashed a barrage of abuse at him. He contacted police and Carrickfergus Council.

"I rang the dog warden and he went up to the house. He then rang me and said all he could do was send out a letter to the owners about the attack but I don't think that is good enough," Mr Donald said.

A spokeswoman from Carrickfergus Borough Council could not confirm whether the attack occurred, saying the council "could not comment while an investigation was ongoing".

The attack is just one of many in recent weeks. On Saturday, a girl required two staples to her head after being attacked by a Japanese Akita dog in the North Queen Street area of Belfast. Later that day, the USPCA was called to Bessbrook in Co Armagh following reports of a stray pit bull roaming in a children's play area.

USPCA chief executive Stephen Philpott said this latest incident highlights the danger of dogs roaming the streets. Although the Japanese Akita is a legal breed, he says it has "a reputation of intolerance towards other dogs and children it does not know.

"Unfortunately, this is not an isolated event and the sooner dog owners are made legally accountable for the behaviour of their pets the better," he added.

Akita dogs: The facts

• The akita, above, is the largest of the japanese spitz-type breeds. it is a powerful, solid, well-proportioned and distinctive-looking dog.

• It has a flat, heavy head and strong, short muzzle and broad, deep chest.

• The Akita is generally considered to be docile, but also aggressive.

• The breed originates from the Japanese island of Honshu in the region of Akita.

• It was first bred as an Imperial Guard dog then as fighting or hunting dog and is considered the national dog of Japan.

• While they can be extremely faithful pets, they can be very aggressive to other dogs and animals. Although the breed may be good with children from its own family, it may not accept other children and if teased, may bite.

• The breed can also be very food-possessive and wilful but with firm training, Akitas can make fine pets.