An Angus dog owner has reacted with joy after his Staffordshire bull terrier was spared death by a sheriff.
Sheriff Derek Pyle allowed Gary McMichael (42) to keep Marciano following recommendations contained in a report from a canine behaviour expert.
Arbroath Sheriff Court heard on Tuesda that Marciano has also been castrated and will now be kept muzzled.
McMichael (42), who has owned Marciano for more than seven years, had previously admitted being in charge of the dog when it attacked his partner last May at his home in Brechin Road, Arbroath, biting her on the head and face.
Despite requiring surgery and losing a tooth in the incident, Clare Brown (46) wrote a letter to the court appealing for the dog to be spared. Solicitor Billy Rennie had also received letters from people who were not in favour of it being put down. This included a representation from McMichael’s brother, who spoke of the love his children had for the animal.
McMichael cut a relieved figure in the dock as Marciano’s fate was revealed. Speaking after his court appearance, McMichael said the sheriff’s decision had brought a bad year to an end.
“This is such a relief because it’s brought to an end a really bad year in my life,” he said. “I’ve not slept properly for 12 months and I’m so glad this has had a happy ending.
“You’ve no idea how relieved I was in the dock when the sheriff said I was allowed to keep Marciano. I was so happy because I’ve been up all night worrying about what might happen.
“Claire is absolutely delighted she’s happy for Marciano and she’s happy for me because my stress has been lifted.”
McMichael said he also had to cope with his mother battling cancer while putting up with the stress of not knowing if his dog would live or die.Respect”It’s been a tremendously challenging year,” he said. “My mother was ill with lung cancer but luckily she’s now in remission. Coping with that while knowing my dog might be put down was really difficult.
“Obviously Claire also had her injuries but I can’t put into words the respect I have for that lady for what she did. Claire sent a letter to the court asking for Marciano not to be destroyed because she loves the dog.
“Claire has to live with those scars for the rest of her life and I don’t know many people who would have done that. I would like to thank her from the bottom of my heart. She’s shown inner strength and understanding character for the dog that she loves.”
McMichael said he had been working hard to prove to the court that Marciano was a good dog. He paid tribute to the canine behaviour expert, solicitor Billy Rennie and Sheriff Derek Pyle.
“I would like to thank the sheriff for having the confidence in the work that I have done to spare my dog’s life,” he said. “I would also like to thank the people who knew my dog and took the time to write to me.
“Marciano is named after the boxer Rocky Marciano. He’s seven-and-a-half years old and he’s part of the family. He’s not a bad dog it was just a silly thing that happened.
“Staffies have got a bad reputation but Marciano is a great dog. He’s boisterous but he is so loving and this will never happen again.
“I can’t tell you what it means to us to know that Marciano won’t be destroyed. It’s a fantastic day and now we’re going to go and celebrate.”
In court Sheriff Pyle said McMichael had taken all the measures he could since last year.
“I’m not going to make an order for the dog’s destruction today,” he said. “You will be allowed to keep the dog.”
Photo Jim Ratcliffe.