UNITED KINGDOM -- An Invergowrie man whose Staffordshire bull terrier attacked a dog and its owner after jumping through a window had already been warned about allowing his pet to run loose, a court has heard.
Ian Milne (27), of Denhead of Gray, had admitted leaving his dog unattended and unrestrained and allowing it to escape through a window at his home on March 27.
The dog ran across a road, causing a motorist to brake to avoid hitting it. The dog then attacked and injured a woman and her collie dog.
Milne's Staffordshire bull terrier, named Sasha, was observed walking in the middle of the road by the complainer who blasted the horn to alert Milne.
The dog was then seen forcing its way into the garden through a gate before it attacked the collie. As the complainer tried to separate the dogs, it bit her on the hand.
Depute fiscal Donna Davidson told Dundee Sheriff Court: ''The dog is known to many of the residents and Mr Milne had been warned by the council about the dog being out in the street.
''At the time of the incident, a tradesman was driving towards Milne's house when he observed the dog running across the road, causing him to brake.
''At the same time, the complainer observed the dog Sasha in the middle of the road. She hit the horn but saw the dog entering her driveway.
''She then heard the sound of a gate being forced over and observed Sasha entering the garden and attacking her dog. She tried to separate them but Sasha bit her on the fleshy part of her hand between the thumb and forefinger.''
The court was told the woman was left ''upset and distressed'' by the attack and received painkillers and antibiotics. Her dog was also injured.
The court heard Milne was traced and charged but replied, ''It wasn't my dog — my dog was in the house.''
Milne's solicitor Ross Donnelly said his client now accepted responsibility for his dog's actions.
Sheriff Tom Hughes told Milne: ''I'm told the local authority warned you about the dog. You and nobody else must accept full responsibility for what happened.
''It's not your neighbour's fault. I expect you to ensure there are absolutely no difficulties with the dog or you and the dog will face serious repercussions.''
Sentence was deferred until April 16 next year.
(The Courier - Oct 17, 2012)
