Trainer's dogs in attacks on pets
A Slovakian military dog trainer has been given a suspended jail sentence after dogs under his control launched two attacks at other animals.
One of the pet dogs attacked died from injuries sustained in the incident. Its 77-year-old owner also suffered bites and scratches, Dudley Magistrates Court heard.
The court heard Mihalyi, aged 52, of Brook Crescent, Stourbridge, had taken his dog Jack, a bull mastiff and pit bull terrier cross, out for a walk with two Brazilian-bred dogs called Pablo and Diesel that he was looking after for a friend on April 18.
They went to Wollescote Park, near Stourbridge, and Jack and Pablo were allowed off their leads.
Maureen Jacomb was walking her two-year-old bichon frise cross called Tess in the park when she saw Jack and Pablo running towards them.
Mrs Lynda Gudgeon, prosecuting, said they launched a "vicious" attack, leaving Tess with serious injuries.
On April 27, Julia Darby was with her pedigree Staffordshire bull terrier called Alfie in Sensall Road, Wollescote, as Mihalyi was walking Jack off the lead on the opposite side of the road. Jack ran over and bit Alfie.
Mihalyi was found guilty at a previous hearing of being the owner of a dog dangerously out of control in a public place and causing injury on April 18. He admitted having a dog dangerously out of control in a public place on April 27.
Mihalyi was given 12 week's jail suspended for 12 months for each offence, to run concurrently, and 200 hours unpaid work. He was told to pay Mrs Jacomb's vet bill of £1,330.13 and Julia Darby's of £107.
He must also pay both owners £250 compensation and £750 court costs. He was banned from keeping dogs for four years. The dogs will be rehomed. Mr Harbinder Gahir, defending, said his client was a military dog handler in his native Solvakia before moving to the UK four years ago.
