Judge rules attack dog must be neutered

A "massively powerful" bull mastiff which mauled another dog in a sustained attack lasting up to five minutes must be neutered within two months or destroyed, a district judge has ruled.

Owner Neil Jones was told his four-year-old's life would be spared only if strict conditions were met. His dog Michael had been off the lead when it launched towards black cross breed Meg at a Wolverhampton park, pinning the nine-year-old down and clamping his jaw around her neck.

Wolverhampton Magistrates Court heard Michael ripped a strip of skin from Meg's back, leaving a gaping wound running almost its entire length. Jones was ordered to pay more than £1,000 in compensation, court costs and fines after pleading guilty to being the owner of a dog dangerously out of control in a public place.

District Judge Graham Wilkinson, explaining why he was not making an immediate destruction order, said police dog handlers "did not believe Michael was an irredeemable case".

The court heard yesterday how Colin Evans had been walking his father's dog Meg across The Wreck, off Bushbury Lane, Bushbury, when he saw Jones with his three large bull mastiffs, none on a lead.

The largest dog Michael hurled himself at Meg — which was on a lead — before dragging her across the ground. The ferocity of the attack caused Mr Evans to lose his footing, Mrs Virinder Bains, prosecuting, told the court.

Resident Susan Walters carried Meg to a neighbour's garden but Michael pursued Meg and the home owner took the terrified animal in. Michael leapt at the front door for several minutes before Jones got him on a lead, the court heard.

Jones, aged 33, of Wingfoot Avenue, Bushbury, returned to the park and drove Mr Evans and his dog to the vet, Mrs Bains added. Mr Evans reported the attack to police and Jones, who was not represented in court, was arrested and told officers he was "deeply sorry" he had not had Michael under control. He said the dog had been "boisterous" on the day of the attack, October 30 last year. Michael had never attacked an animal or person before, he added.

District Judge Wilkinson told Jones: "This dog is massively powerful and is easily capable of breaking a man's arm with his jaw. There are concerns about his behaviour."

He said the contingent destruction order must be complied with or the dog would be destroyed. Michael must be neutered within two months, receive five hours of training and wear a muzzle in any public. Jones was ordered to pay £891.50 compensation to cover vet bills, a £200 fine and court costs of £85.