A Wrexham pensioner’s beloved pet Yorkshire Terrier landed her in court after attacking her next door neighbour.
Phyllis Anne Davies, 74, was given a 12-month conditional discharge and told her pint-sized pooch called Scruffy must wear a muzzle in public after biting the victim’s ankle.
Davies pleaded guilty to an offence of owning a dog which was dangerously out of control when she appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court today (November 25).
The neighbour claimed her pet Staffordshire Bull Terrier called Fudge had also previously been attacked by Scruffy and left with a scar – something the defendant strongly denied.
Rob Blakemore, prosecuting, told the court four-year-old Scruffy entered next door’s garden on May 16 this year and bit the victim on the ankle, leaving a wound which bled.
He said Davies didn’t seem “particularly bothered at first” but then eventually offered to take the neighbour to hospital – an offer which she declined.
Mr Blakemore said during police interview it emerged Davies had been alerted to the incident after hearing her neighbour screaming.
She said she was unaware Scruffy could get under the garden gate as she thought he was too big.
Davies also said when she looked at the victim’s ankle she could only see a small bruise.
Regrets
Melissa Griffiths, defending, said her client “regrets” what happened and has been more concerned about the fate of Scruffy than her own.
She told the court: “She’s never ever been before a court of law. She’s owned pets all her life and a variety of dogs.
“Substantial steps have been taken to prevent a reoccurrence. He’s a great companion to her – she’s more concerned about what will happen to him rather than her.”
Ms Griffiths said a psychological report carried out on the dog ruled Scruffy did not pose a danger to public safety.
She added Davies now has two gates in her garden and Scruffy is always on a lead and wearing a muzzle so there is “no prospect” of a repeat.
Davies was given a 12-month conditional discharge and told to pay £430 costs, which includes £150 compensation to the victim.
An order was also issued stating no one under the age 18 can be left in control of Scruffy and that he must be on a lead and wearing a muzzle in public places.
See- http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/wrexham-pensioner-court-after-pet-10502814
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