Teacher fined after her dog bites boy in Titpon
A teacher from Tipton has been ordered to pay £400 after her dog bit a 12-year-old boy.
Gurdeep Purewal was walking her German shepherd dog, Snowy, on a lead in St Martin's Drive when it jumped up at the youngster on April 16.
Sandwell Magistrates Court was told the dog had put its paws on the boy's chest and bit him after he raised his arms. Mr Kulbir Paul, prosecuting, said the youngster had been scared and fled. He was later taken to Sandwell Hospital where he was given treatment and antibiotics.
Mr Paul said: "The boy said he had been walking the street with his brother when this occurred.
"He said Purewal had tugged on the lead to get the dog down. As he ran away he heard her call after him to check he was OK."
Mr Jason Georgiou, defending, said the nine-year-old dog was a much-loved family pet and had shown no sign of aggression previously.
He said Purewal, aged 36, of Cory Croft, Tipton, who is pregnant with her third child, did not know the boy had been bitten.
She pleaded guilty at a previous hearing to being in charge of a dog which was dangerously out of control in a public place.
The court heard that Snowy had undergone a series of behavioural tests after being seized by police to assess if it was a danger to the public and showed no sign of aggressive behaviour even when provoked.
"It is possible Snowy thought he was protecting his family when the boy raised his arms," Mr Georgiou said.
Purewal was fined £235, ordered to pay compensation of £75, costs of £85 and a £15 victim surcharge.
Magistrates said they were satisfied Snowy did not present a danger to the public.
They ordered Snowy be neutered within the next month and will have to wear both a lead and muzzle when in public place.
