AUSTRALIA -- The owner of two dogs which attacked and killed a sheep and then mauled a horse and cow failed in his obligations and responsibilities, local court magistrate Doug Dick said on Monday.
Daniel John Nixon, 26, of Box Ridge Road Turondale, represented himself in Bathurst Local Court this week.
The court heard how on May 1 this year, Nixon’s dogs, a Staffordshire bull terrier cross labrador and a pure bred Staffordshire bull terrier, escaped from their yard and entered an adjoining hobby farm.
The police facts told how the victim observed a pit bull type dog chasing her horse, and then noticed a second dog running away. She then realised her horse had a deep wound on its front right leg.
The two dogs then began attacking her Aryeshire cow, one latching onto its face and the second dog attacking the cow’s legs.
The victim was unable to intervene so she called for help from a friend, who contacted police, who advised him to shoot the dogs.
The attack continued so the victim’s friend shot each dog humanely and then locked the horse and cow in a pen awaiting the arrival of the vet.
Minutes later the victim’s pet sheep was found with massive facial injuries and had to be put down.
In sentencing Nixon, Mr Dick noted he had already paid the $1037 compensation sought by the victim, and both dogs had been put down.
“You have done everything you can to turn back the hands of time, but you failed in your obligations and responsibilities.
“I’m impressed you have already paid the compensation, you have done everything you can,” Mr Dick said.
Mr Dick then asked Nixon if he was employed.
He said he was working at the time of the dog attack, but was unemployed now.
Mr Dick then fined Nixon $400, and $81 in court costs.
“You have already paid a lot of money, the fine is just enough to make sure you do the right thing next time,” Mr Dick said.
(Western Advocate - Sept 3, 2011)
