Dangerous dog that attacked woman will not be destroyed

The eight-year-old American bulldog and Staffordshire bull terrier cross, named Geezer, was off the lead with owner Maurice Hutchinson when the attack on Wendy Young happened in Dudley.

The victim, who was visiting her sister at Claverley Court, Vicarage Prospect, was left with serious injuries and taken to hospital.

She had been heading into the foyer when Hutchinson walked in with his dog.

She lowered her right hand to greet the animal when it bit into her hand and would not let go.

Hutchinson, aged 62, who lives in Claverley Court, hit the dog with his stick to try and get it to release Ms Young's hand, but to no avail.

He then kicked the dog, which then released its grip in the incident on June 6 last year.

Ms Young was treated in hospital for three puncture wounds to her hand and tendon damage.

Appearing at Dudley Magistrates Court on Monday, Hutchinson was charged with being the owner of a dog which was dangerously out of control.

He was issued with a curfew, meaning he must be at his home address from 10pm to 6am every day for three months.

He was also ordered to pay a total of £395 to the court, comprising of costs of £85, compensation to the victim of £250 and a victim surcharge of £60.

Magistrate Teresa Popplewell also made the dog subject to a contingent destruction order – meaning that it must be muzzled, and on a lead whenever he is outside Mr Hutchinson's home, should only be walked by someone aged 18 and above and must be neutered and insured.

The microchip identity details of the dog must also be passed to the dangerous dogs unit at West Midlands Police.

An assessment of the dog after the attack, carried out by the police, revealed that the dog became agitated and aggressive when put on a lead and became easily stressed, without inhibition to bite.