A Wrexham man has been fined after his dog viciously attacked another.
Liam Evans, 32, of Rosemary Lane, Rossett, was convicted of being the owner of a dog dangerously out of control when he appeared at Wrexham Magistrates' Court on Monday, 17th July 2023.
Owning or being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control is an offence under section 3(1) of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. The maximum penalty on summary conviction is 26 weeks' custody and/or an unlimited fine.
I have previously written a summary on dangerous dogs and the law.
Magistrates heard that the attack took place on a field next to Brynteg Library on Thursday, 19th January 2023.
Evans was exercising his XL bulldog when it took after an 11-year-old spaniel named Mojo being exercised by its owner, Christina Jones.
Justin Espie, prosecuting, said that the bulldog ran down the hill towards Ms Jones, taking hold of Mojo's head with its mouth.
The bulldog refused to heed commands to let Mojo go, with people coming to assist from a nearby community centre.
Mojo was left with injuries to his head, neck and ear, which needed veterinary treatment totaling £234. Police initially offered Evans the chance of a community resolution, but he failed to make good on paying the vet fees.
Ms Jones described Mojo as "the gentlest soul I have ever met" in a victim personal statement.
"It took three days to get him to leave the house on a lead and three weeks before I could take him out comfortably," she said.
"My heart pounds now if a dog approaches us."
Magistrates heard that Mojo was so traumatised by events that he actually snapped back at Ms Jones, causing an injury to her face.
Evans, who was unrepresented, told the court that circumstances meant he was unable to pay Ms Jones' vet fees.
He said: "Regarding the dog, she has since been put down.
"We tried training and I spoke to people online - before that point I had never had a problem with that dog.
"From that point her behaviour deteriorated and she was even attacking my other dog so I couldn't keep her, and I couldn't rehome her.
"I spoke to a vet and they advised the best option was to put her to sleep."
Evans reiterated his apology for the incident, saying it was something he could not condone or let happen again.
Magistrates fined him £246.
He was also ordered to pay £435 in compensation, £98 surcharge and £85 towards prosecution costs.
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