Dog that bit boy in Telford will not be put down

Amanda Cook, 46, of Watling Street, Wellington, was given a two-year conditional discharge at Telford Magistrates Court.

She was also ordered to pay £300 to the boy, who was said to have suffered nightmares ever since the incident on May 8.

The defendant, who was homeless at the time, was drinking in New Street, Wellington, with a group of friends when her dogs approached the youngster as he cycled past them. One of the dogs bit the boy.

The two dogs, Pepa and TJ, will be allowed to go back to their owner on the condition they wear a harness, short non-extendible lead and a muzzle whenever they are outside – including if they are let out in the garden.

Constable Richard Johnson, dog legislation officer for West Mercia Police, said the dogs were friendly but had been allowed to develop bad habits. “Both these dogs could have had a negative experience with cyclists,” he said. “This has been allowed to continue culminating in the incident. It is possible to change this.”

Constable Johnson suggested extensive training with the dogs could help with their fear of cyclists, and it was out of fear they had attacked the boy.

Adam Warner, prosecuting, said the boy had been afraid to go out on his bike with his friends for fear he would be attacked by dogs. The court heard he had been having nightmares since the attack and had suffered discomfort following the bite, which had left him with a small puncture wound.

John McMillian, representing Cook, said the dogs had never bitten anyone before.

“She will speak to a vet about what is needed and would spend what money she had to,” he said.

While sentencing Cook, magistrate John Whalley said: “You are an intelligent woman and you know what could have happened. We believe the public will not be put at risk. We would strongly recommend you get the dogs trained.”