Last updated at 11:05, Saturday, 24 October 2009

A West Highland terrier was bitten and held in the jaws of a larger dog during an attack which left the owner “terrified”, a court has heard.

Margaret Gill, 63, appeared before Carlisle Magistrates’ Court and pleaded guilty to her dog, Meg, being dangerously out of control in a public place.

The court heard how on July 2, Meg, a rottweiler-akita cross, had escaped from the drive of Gill’s Wetheral home, on Croft Park, and run up behind the owner of the terrier who had been taking her dog for a walk.

Prosecuting, Pam Ward described how Meg grabbed the smaller dog in her mouth and shook it, and although the owner initially managed to free the terrier it was then bitten again leaving the owner “terrified”.

Simon Clegg, defending, said that the dog had “not before displayed any violent tendencies” and described the events as an “unfortunate incident”.

Gill, a retired teacher, was ordered to pay a £200 fine, compensation of £24.09 to the owner of the terrier to cover vet bills, costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £15. The dog was made the subject of a control order, meaning that it must be kept on a lead and be wearing a muzzle whenever it’s in a public place.

First published at 09:09, Saturday, 24 October 2009
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk