£1,300 bill for dog owner who 'did nothing' as greyhound mauled Chihuahua
A woman who 'did nothing' as her greyhound mauled a pet Chihuahua in front of its owner and her young daughter has been hit with a £1,300 court bill.
Keri Birch had been taking shopping from her car into her home on Station Street, Cheslyn Hay, when Hayley Owen began arguing with her claiming her car was blocking the pavement.
During the confrontation Owen's black greyhound, called Harry, 'scooped up' Lou Lou the Chihuahua and ran off with it in its mouth. The dog had belonged to Ms Birch's mother, who had died only a week previous to the incident on August 11, 2015.
Owen appeared before Cannock Magistrates Court charged with being in charge of a dog that was dangerously out of control causing injury, where she was found guilty.
Prosecuting, Bally Paul, said: "The attack left Lou Lou with a puncture wound, severe bruising and muscle damage.
"After the greyhound scooped up the smaller dog, its owner offered no assistance. Ms Birch's young daughter and niece were with her at the time and began screaming."
The court heard how Owen, of Forge Close, Churchbridge, 'did nothing' to stop her dog and continued arguing while it caused significant injury to the Chihuahuua.
Giving evidence in court, Ms Birch spoke of her terror at the time and how the aftermath had affected her and her family.
While the attack was being carried out, neighbours tried to get the Chihuahua from the jaws of the greyhound by stamping on its feet and hitting its head so its jaw would loosen. When it finally released the pet, Ms Birch said that she thought it was dead.
She said: "It was the most horrific day I have ever had. All I could think of was that this is my mother's dog, I had just buried her. My daughter was watching, absolutely terrified and I am concerned of the impact it will have on her seeing this."
Vets bills for Lou Lou, who has since made a full recovery, came to more than £500.
Owen was ordered to pay £528 in compensation, £635 in court costs, a £120 fine and a £20 victim surcharge.
Defending herself, she said: "I felt as though all of the neighbours were just shouting making things worse. The way I saw it, the louder the noise got the tighter Harry's grip got. I didn't want to add to that."
Owen was also ordered to muzzle the dog at all times when taking it out.
