AN ELDERLY man who failed to keep his dog under control has been told his pet must be muzzled and kept on a lead at all times.
Worcester Magistrates Court made the dangerous dog order after Geoffrey Allen’s Newfoundland cross sheepdog attacked another dog for the third time in eight months.
The order also means if the 76-year-old, of Hillcrest Rise, fails to stick to the demands the police have the power to destroy the dog.
On June 5 Allen had left his property and walked to a neighbour’s house to deliver some asparagus when his dog, Buddy, ran towards a fellow neighbour’s West Highland Terrier, Busby, the court was told.
Buddy, who was on a long lead at the time, grabbed hold of the smaller dog with its mouth and started to shake it before a passer by intervened and slapped him five times, the court heard.
Busby required vets treatment after the incident caused injuries to the cheek, ankles and back.
Magistrates were also told how Allen had to pay a £500 bill through a community resolution after an incident in October last year and in February an off-duty police officer had his dog attacked by the animal.
Defending solicitor Sam Lamsdale said: “He had literally put Buddy on the lead and taken him to the neighbours house when sadly Buddy shot off and got hold of the other dog.
“On that occasion because he was just going across the road he didn’t think to put the muzzle on but now he accepts that was a poor decision and accepts every time he goes out he knows he must wear the muzzle.
“His problem has never been with people but the aggression has always been to other dogs sadly.”
Along with the order, Allen was fined £200 for the offence of failing to keep his dog under control and ordered to pay compensation of £397.66 for the vet bills.
Chair of the Bench Peter Cound said: “This dog is costing you a lot of money.
“It seems for the benefit of all, including yourself, you really need to keep to this order because now the police have the power to destroy the dog if it is found without a muzzle or not on a lead.”
Allen was also ordered to pay a £20 victim surcharge and court costs of £85.
