Owner of killer dogs gets three-year ban

A man whose two crossbreeds savaged and killed a pensioner's Yorkshire terrier as it was being walked has been banned from keeping dogs for three years.

Michael Thompson was branded an "unfit dog owner" after his Staffordshire bull terrier crossbreeds attacked and killed pet dog Buster.

Thompson's dogs Sampson and Duke must now be destroyed, Wolverhampton Magistrates Court ruled yesterday.

Buster's owner Morris McVeigh, aged 69, said afterwards the family were left "heartbroken" by the death of their beloved pet.

Thompson's dogs attacked Buster and Mr McVeigh's other Yorkshire terrier Ben as they walked with him in Claredon Street, Chapel Ash, on July 13. Mr McVeigh lifted the dogs above his head to put them out of reach of the attacking animals, Mrs Maggie Meakin, prosecuting, said.

They jumped up and pushed him down, before grabbing Buster in their mouths and running off. Buster was later found dead.

Thompson's dogs bit Buster on the leg a month before the fatal attack.

Residents, including the McVeigh family raised concerns about the dogs, which Thompson admitted had escaped, before.

District Judge Graham Wilkinson said: "You are not a fit dog owner. It is clear these dogs for some considerable time have been a concern to the neighbours."

Thompson, 36, of Compton Road, Chapel Ash, admitted two counts of being the owner of a dog dangerously out of control.

District Judge Wilkinson also told him to pay a £250 fine, £200 compensation to Mr McVeigh, £85 legal costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

He must also pay £200 towards destruction of hisdogs.

Speaking outside court, Mr McVeigh said: "Our family has been left heartbroken by the loss of our dog.

"Buster just did so many things that made you happy and made you smile. People would always say what a lovely dog he was."

"I'm glad the case is over now, although no amount of money can bring him back."