Staffordshire Bull Terrier bit child on bike in Wellington town centre

Police seized two animals belonging to Amanda Cook, aged 46, following the unprovoked incident which happened in Wellington town centre on May 5.

The defendant, who had been homeless at the time, was drinking in the street with a group of friends when her dogs approached the youngster as he cycled pass them.

Miss Sara Beddow, prosecuting, said the child and his mother had just left the town’s B&M store, in New Street, at about 11am when he was set upon. “They passed a group of people who were sitting on a wall and consuming alcohol at the time,” she said.

“One of the persons had two Staffordshire Bull Terriers held on a lead and as they passed the dogs began to bark at the boy. They got hold of his leg and one of the dogs bit him on the lower leg causing a small puncture wound.

“Witnesses say they saw both dogs take hold of the boy’s leg.

“In her police interview the defendant said it was the male bull terrier cross that bit the boy and not the second dog, a bitch.

“She described both dogs as having strong temperaments, but said they had never bitten anyone before and that they were aggressive towards other animals. She said she had to be firm to keep them under control. She said the boy attempted to stroke the dogs as he passed them, but the officers put to her that the boy was two feet away and had not tried to touch them.

“She confirmed the incident was unprovoked and that the dog had issues with bicycles and that she had intended to muzzle them, but she didn’t have the money to buy them.”

Miss Beddow told the court that the victim suffered a cut, swelling and bruising as result. She added that the defendant, of Watling Street, Wellington, was of previous good character. Cook, defending herself, said: “I would like to have the dogs back. The police took them away to give them some behaviour training. I was homeless at the time, but I have cut down my drinking from 10 to two cans a day and I have moved into shared accommodation.”

She admitted an offence of being the owner of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury.

District Judge Mr Nigel Cadbury told Cook no information regarding the future of the dogs had been received from West Merciapolice and as a result he could not sentence her immediately.

“I have concerns about the suitable of the defendant’s home and whether she is a fit and proper person to own a dog,” Mr Cadbury added.

He adjourned the matter until August 23 for reports. Cook was granted unconditional bail until then.