Dog that attacked woman in Leeds park given stay of execution
A dog that was ordered to be put down after attacking a woman in a park has been given a stay of execution after a successful appeal by its owner.
The “Staffy cross” locked its jaws onto woman’s hand and attacked her French Bulldog.
It then went on to attack a male who had come to the house of its owner, Erica Smith, on Redhall Crescent, Beeston.
She was given a 12-month sentence, suspended for 12 months, told to pay £500 compensation to each victim and the dog was ordered to be euthanised.
Following a appeal lodged by the owner, which was heard at Leeds Crown Court, the dog was saved and put on a contingency destruction order - meaning it will avoid being destroyed as long as the owner adheres to two conditions.
These include being muzzled and kept on a lead while in public, and that the dog is sufficiently secured by locked doors and gates when at home.
The court heard that the dog had not been on a lead on December 24 last year on Cardinal Square when it ran up to a woman and her dog.
It first attacked her dog, but as she picked it up to shield it, the Staffy sunk its teeth into her hand.
Despite the help from passers by, the dog would not let go “for some time”, the court heard.
The woman required two rounds of surgery on her hand. Her dog suffered wounds to its legs.
Then on February 7 this year, a family friend had been sat on the sofa in the house when the dog pounced on his foot, then locked its jaws onto the male’s arm, holding on for around 10 seconds.
During the recent appeal, evidence was given by Smith’s son, who said he owned the dog.
He said it had been abused by a previous owner and he had trained it basic commands.
Following a lengthy debate between Judge Penelope Belcher and two sitting magistrates, they opted to save the dog.