Last updated 16:05, Wednesday, 23 July 2008

DOUGAL, a five-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier bit a Border Collie on the neck and then its 16-year-old owner when she tried to separate them. Dougal’s owner, David Bell, aged 50, of Esk Avenue, Whitehaven, pleaded guilty to being the owner of a dog out of control allowed to cause injury.

The incident occurred at the cycle track, near Esk Avenu,e on November 25, last year.

Prosecutor, Jane Mackrill, told magistrates that the girl was walking two Border collies and had them on a lead when the bull terrier ran over and attacked them.

It bit one of her dogs on the neck and wouldn’t let go.

She prised its mouth open and it then bit her on the leg, drawing blood and causing pain, said Mrs Mackrill.

Bell said he was very sorry for the the incident and now kept the dog on a lead all the time. “I didn’t see the young girl. If I had, I wouldn’t have had the lead off. It doesn’t like other dogs.”

Magistrates made an order that Dougal be kept under control on a lead at all times when out.

Compensation was ordered to the 16-year-old girl – £250 in respect of vet’s bills and her own injuries.

Bell was also ordered to pay court costs totalling £60.