An American Bulldog bit a child on the arm in Dundee after its owner was previously ordered to have it tethered and muzzled.
The 12-year-old boy had to be taken to Ninewells Hospital after the dog sprang free from its owner’s home in the city, before biting the child twice.
Terri Hunt, 34, was fined after she previously admitted causing the two-year-old dog – named Odie – to be dangerously out of control.
In a letter to Dundee Sheriff Court, Hunt said she had the dog euthanised of her own accord after the incident.
Previous warning
Fiscal depute Lissie Cook revealed that prior to the incident on February 28 this year, Odie had scratched another child.
Hunt was advised by the dog warden service to have the dog on a short lead and to be muzzled in public.
Two children were outside at around 7.30pm during the most recent incident when Hunt heard crying.
Ms Cook said: “The accused went out to see what had happened but did not shut the door properly.
“This allowed the dog to get out of the house and into the public area.
“The dog then approached the child and bit him twice on the arm.
“The dog let go straight away and ran back towards the accused.”
The 12-year-old boy was taken to Ninewells Hospital and received paper stitches and bandages after the wound was cleaned.
Neither a tetanus jag nor antibiotics were required and Hunt was described as “very apologetic” and “engaged well” with the police.
She told officers: “It was an accident. I didn’t know it would have done that.”
‘More lenient than usual’
Hunt, a self-employed hairdresser, said in the letter to the court: “I completely accept responsibility for leaving my door open and Odie getting out.
“I proactively made arrangements for Odie being put to sleep before being compelled to do so.”
Sheriff John Rafferty told Hunt, who appeared without legal representation: “When your dog bites a child, it’s a serious matter.
“There’s several things very much in your favour.
“Firstly, you have pled guilty at the first opportunity and secondly, you, no doubt at your own expense, had the dog euthanised.
“In these circumstances, I can take a much more lenient view than I usually would.”
Hunt was fined a total of £210.
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