A world-renowned Dundee University professor has thanked a Perth sheriff for saving his “dangerously out of control” dog from death row.
Senior lecturer Masoud Hayatdavoodi was charged by police after his German Shepherd puppy Ana bit a cyclist at an east Perthshire beauty spot.
The 40-year-old, who is internationally known for his work in the fields of marine science and engineering, appeared at Perth Sheriff Court and pleaded guilty to a breach of the Dangerous Dogs Act.
He admitted he was in charge of Ana when she was dangerously out of control at Alyth Hill on July 26, last year.
The one-year-old dog pursued cyclist Gillian Ramsay and sank her teeth into her thigh.
The lecturer’s lawyer pleaded with the court not to have the dog destroyed.
Sheriff David Hall agreed to save the German Shepherd, but ordered Hayatdavoodi to pay £1,000 compensation to the cyclist.
Stay muzzled
The sheriff was told the dog had been placed on a control notice in 2021, meaning she must be muzzled in public at all times.
“When this incident happened the dog was a pup,” Sheriff Hall said.
“There have been no such incidents before and no such incidents since.
“And I understand the dog has been subjected to intensive training.
“All of those facts allow me to conclude that the dog does not constitute a danger to public safety.
“As a result, I will make no order for the destruction of the dog.”
He said the terms of the control notice will stay in place.
Hayatdavoodi responded: “Thank you very much.”
Dog came ‘out of nowhere’
Fiscal depute Matthew Kerr told the court Ms Ramsay was cycling up Alyth Hill just after 7pm.
The 31-year-old notice two figures in the far distance.
“She heard an adult male voice shouting: ‘Get back’ and ‘Come back,'” said Mr Kerr.
“The complainer formed an opinion that a dog was off their lead.”
Mr Kerr said: “The accused’s dog then came around the corner and down the hill towards her.
“The dog was wearing a harness, but not a muzzle. The accused was nowhere to be seen.”
The fiscal depute said: “Not wishing to antagonise the animal, Ms Ramsay stopped cycling and put her feet on the ground.
“Out of nowhere, the accused’s dog bit the back of the complainer’s thigh.
“It let go and then ran off towards the accused.”
Ms Ramsay cycled home, where she saw that the dog had left three puncture marks that were pouring blood.
She received treatment at Ninewells Hospital. Her injuries were cleaned and she was put on a course of antibiotics.
Social media search
After the attack, Ms Ramsay’s boyfriend posted an appeal on social media to trace the dog’s owner.
“We need to make sure this doesn’t happen again,” he wrote.
“The path where Gillian was attacked is a busy path, especially during the summer months.
“What happened on Saturday was bad enough, but it could be even worse if a child was involved.”
‘Exceptional’ record of achievements
Solicitor Robin Beattie, defending, told the court Hayatdavoodi and his wife bought Ana during lockdown.
He submitted four letters from people who were involved in raising and training the dog.
“They are absolutely glowing in terms of the dog’s character and behaviour,” Mr Beattie said.
He urged the sheriff not to have the dog put down, but instead placed her in a “last chance saloon.”
Mr Beattie gave the court details of his client’s “exceptional” CV.
The father-of-two is a senior lecturer at Dundee University and has studied in Hawaii, Sweden and Iran. He is a guest professor at the University of China.
“He tells me he is internationally recognised as a researcher,” said Mr Beattie.
Hayatdavoodi, of Wester Craigellie, Blairgowrie, also has a number of academic awards, including the Ocean Engineering and Instrumentation Fellowship of the Link Foundation in America.
“In addition, he does a huge amount of volunteer work for which he has also received a number of international accolades and awards.”
Mr Beattie added: “Despite his exceptional achievements, his family is not financially well off.
“They survive by using credit cards to make monthly payments.
“He is horrified by what happened on that day in Alyth Hill. He cannot understand why or how it happened.”
