A German Shepherd bit a postwoman’s breast on a walk with a ‘bad’ dog sitter in Corsham.
52-year-old Sarah Cole pleaded guilty to being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control and appeared at Swindon Magistrates’ Court for sentencing on 7 December.
The defendant, who at the time operated a business called No Fleas On Me, was hired by a local couple to provide professional dog sitting services whilst they were aware on holiday.
On a walk in the Prospect area of Corsham on 26 January, the 13-year-old pet – named Finn – ran towards a postwoman, leaped up and bit her on the breast – causing puncture wounds.
The victim, who was also bitten by a ‘lockdown dog’ in nearby Pockeridge Road five months prior, said that she is now “ashamed of her breasts” due to the scars left behind.
“I’m now scared of dogs, this has given me nightmares. I could have ripped my breast off, I still have a scar that I look at in the mirror every time I have a shower”, she wrote in a statement.
PC Laura Hughes visited Finn following the incident, despite being bitten by a dog ten days prior. She feared she would meet another dangerous dog, but instead found a friendly and docile pet – describing him as “well mannered”.
The officer said the dog attack was likely a result of the “neglect suffered in the care of the defendant”, and told the court she did not support a destruction order.
Alan Cudlipp, Finn’s lifetime owner, also attended the court hearing. He opposed the destruction order, stating that his dog has never shown signs of aggression and regularly spends times around his four young grandchildren without issue.
He said that he and his wife had hired Cole on several occasions in the past and there was “always some drama”.
Mr Cudlipp said that based on his home’s CCTV footage, Cole had not taken Finn out for a walk for four days. He added: “That’s the highlight of his daily routine… it’s like us being locked in a room and not being let out.”
Rebecca Veasey, defending, said her client was “unwell with the flu”, but Finn was “certainly not neglected” and there was “space for him to play indoors”.
She said that Cole had been “walking peoples dogs for eight years without issue”.
Ms Veasey said the defendant, of Randall Court, Corsham, found the whole situation “highly distressing” and is suffering with mental health issues. Due to a back injury and chronic arthritis, she is not currently working.
Magistrates told Cole to pay £100 compensation to the postwoman.
A contingent destruction order was imposed, meaning Finn must only be walked in public on a short lead and wearing a muzzle. A breach of the order would result in the dog being put to sleep.
