Timone is lucky to be alive with a bitten hole and a chomp mark requiring stitches and a bandage.

Timone's owner Laureen Dempsey said the attack happened when she and a friend were walking Timone at about 8.30am.

They saw two stray, uncollared dogs wandering down Jenkins Avenue that after a short time disappeared.

When Mrs Dempsey and her friend got onto Panter Street the dogs appeared again.

Mrs Dempsey picked Timone up to cross the road and then one of the dogs "charged" her to try get Timone.

The dog jumped up about four times and eventually tore Timone out of Mrs Dempsey's arms.

Mrs Dempsey said the dog had hold of Timone by the middle and shook her like a rag doll.

After the dog attacked Timone ran off down the street and the black dog chased after her.

Mrs Dempsey and her friend chased after the dog but then the dogs both gave up.

She said Timone walked into a front yard and laid down, with bloody wounds.

After taking her to the vet, the verdict was more serious than what was visualised, but Mrs Dempsey said she was recovering well.

Mrs Dempsey's husband Michael Dempsey said people who failed to register their dogs and allowed them to roam the streets was irresponsible.

"As a responsible dog owner we have Timone registered, de sexed and micro chipped," he said.

"This attack was both unnecessary and unprovoked.

"These dogs are regular street walkers and have been wandering around Jenkins Avenue, McRitchie Crescent, Panter Street and Brook Street in Whyalla Stuart."

The Whyalla City Council had since been contacted.

Dog registrar Steve Woolley said the attack was under investigation and charges could possibly be laid.

He said penalties were severe with fines up to $10,000 for deliberate attacks, other wise $2,500 or an expiation fee of $210.

In a ddition, council could seek an order to control the dog or in extreme cases, have the dog put down.

Mr Woolley said they took dog attacks seriously and their aim was to minimise them.

He said people should try and avoid stray dogs or barking and scartching dogs in back yards.

"Try not to step between the two fighting dogs because you will get hurt," he said.

He also advised prompt contact to the police and council.

To help clear stray dogs contact the council on 8640 3449 or RSPCA on 8644 0172.