No death sentence for Posh and Becks after dog attack in Talke

ROTTWEILERS Posh and Becks have been spared a death sentence by a court – despite the pets attacking another dog.

Owner Philip Hansell has spoken of his relief after revealing he would have found it impossible to cope without his two beloved pets.

Staffordshire Police had applied to the courts for a destruction order in August after the two 13-year-old dogs mauled a neighbour’s bulldog.

They also bit the four-year-old dog’s owner Antony Pulizzi as he attempted to rescue his pet.

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But magistrates did not approve the destruction order at a hearing yesterday.

Instead they ordered ice cream salesman Hansell, of Swan Bank, Talke, to pay £214 to cover bulldog Harry’s vet’s bill, a further £300 to Mr Pulizzi for loss of earnings and £100 to the victim for his injuries.

Following the case, father-of-three Hansell says the money is secondary to saving the lives of his pets, which are named after celebrity couple David and Victoria Beckham.

He said: “It has been a nightmare and on my mind every day.”

Guard dogs Posh and Becks attacked Harry after escaping through their open garden gate on April 22.

Mr Pullizi said he needed 10 days off work to recover from his injuries.

He said: “I’m very angry at the moment.

“I love dogs, and I don’t want to see any get killed. What happens next time they escape and maul someone else?”

Hansell had admitted having two out-of-control dogs. But he yesterday maintained that his animals are not dangerous.

He added: “Someone who is an expert on canine behaviour came to see the dogs and couldn’t find anything wrong with them. He did all the tests and they didn’t react.

“They are both great around children."

Hansell had suffered a nervous breakdown 18 months ago following the sudden end of his 26-year marriage.

He added: “I don’t even get to see my youngest child anymore and the dogs have now become like my children. It is a long journey recovering from a nervous breakdown but I feel that I am on my way."

Hansell, who was also handed a 12-month conditional discharge, will pay £10 per fortnight to settle the compensation bill after the court heard he was on benefits following the collapse of his business.

He was also told to keep the dogs on a lead in all public places and install two barriers to keep them on his property.

District Judge Andrew Jones said: “My concern is whether the dogs will cause more issues and it is agreed the steps put in place will ensure no future problems will arise.”