Out-of-control dog avoids death sentence after Leek attacks
A DOG which attacked a man and another pet in two separate incidents faces being killed if he breaks the law again.
Black Staffie-type dog Tug has been given a stay of execution by magistrates following the double attack.
But owner Blaithin Hammersley must comply with a number of conditions for Tug, including the animal always being on a lead and wearing a muzzle in public.
The incidents happened in Leek on September 20.
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North Staffordshire Justice Centre heard Ross Ankers was walking in The Sleeve, Leek, with a young child in a buggy when he was approached by a black dog.
The dog attacked Mr Ankers's right leg, ripping his jeans and biting through his boot leaving puncture marks and a bruise.
Steve Knowles, prosecuting, told the court: "Mr Ankers was approached by Hammersley and she said the dog needed to be put down."
The second incident happened in Beggars Lane, Leek, when Zoe Done was walking her pet dog with her daughter when it was attacked by Tug and suffered a leg injury.
Mr Knowles added: "When Hammersley was interviewed she said she owned the dog and described the dog as an opportunist who would escape if he could.
"She said he was unpredictable in the community as he had been attacked when he was young."
Mother-of-two Hammersley, aged 44, of The Sleeve, Leek, pleaded guilty to two charges of being a person in charge of a dog, allowing it to be dangerously out of control in a public place and cause injury.
Magistrates fined Hammersley £200 and ordered her to pay £85 costs. She must also pay a £40 vets fee for the injured dog and £150 compensation to Mr Ankers.
Gary Corbett, defending, told the court: "This has been devastating for her and she has taken measures to prevent any further problems, including the dog being muzzled when it went out and also in the garden. She would be devastated if you ordered the dog to be destroyed."
An animal behaviourist is also being brought in to assess Tug.
Comments
by Packmovaliant
Tuesday, January 08 2013, 7:04PM
“I wouldn't trust any dog around children.”
by nobbynextdoor
Tuesday, January 08 2013, 6:39PM
“I've got dogs and kids of my own, and as much as I love my dogs if they had done those things they would have to go.
You are clearly NOT the leader in your pack, Tug will do this again, so do the decent thing.”
by BucknallMel
Tuesday, January 08 2013, 1:07PM
“I would have thought she wouldn't want a dog that was so unpredictable around her own children, but I suppose her dog means more to her than her kids' safety...”