Chris Flanagan’s Staffordshire bull terrier, Marley, was out on a walk with neighbour Sandra Walker, 57, and her two Staffies on April 20 when it spotted two other dogs in Bridge Street, Halstead, and slipped its collar and attacked them.
The tiny dogs that were attacked, a West Highland terrier called Molly and a teacup Yorkshire terrier named Woody, both suffered injuries and required veterinary treatment, while owner Glen Pantony was also bitten trying to protect them.
Appearing at Colchester Magistrates’ Court earlier this month, Walker, of Trinity Court, admitted being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control and causing injury in a public place.
When she reappeared for sentencing on Tuesday, she was handed a 12 month conditional discharge, ordered to pay £150 compensation and a £15 victim surcharge.
A contingency order was also made, stating that the dog is to be destroyed immediately if its owner fails to comply with two conditions.
The conditions state that the dog must not leave its owner’s house, other than in its owner’s company and control, and must be kept leashed and muzzled at all times while in public.
(Halstead Gazette - July 21, 2013)
