A Highworth man’s dog mauled another dog to death whilst he was ‘distracted by poo’, a court heard.
Swindon Borough Council solicitor Daryl Bigwood applied for a dog control order under the Dogs Act 1871 at Swindon Magistrates’ Court today (20 May).
He asked the justices to impose the order on Nicholas Fusco – who owns the English Bull Terrier and was walking her when the attack happened.
Mr Bigwood said the dog, named Mabel, was off lead alongside two other dogs that were being walked by the defendant in the area of Barra Close on 13 October last year.
Whilst the man was “distracted dealing with dog poo”, the pet was roaming free. Mabel approached a Yorkshire Terrier named Lily and savagely “mauled” her.
As a result of the incident, she was rushed to the vet with puncture wounds to her abdomen. Two days later, the “healthy” dog passed away from her injuries.
Mr Bigwood said Mabel inflicted “catastrophic damage” on Lily, resulting in her death.
“Mr Fusco did attempt to separate the dogs and he was successful, but by that time the damage had been done”, he said.
Swindon Borough Council arranged an interview with the defendant, who was said to be “visibly upset” throughout.
Mr Bigwood added: “We found him to be forward and he has shown real remorse. That’s why we are not seeking the destruction of Mabel.”
He said Mr Fusco has been keeping her muzzled and on a lead since the attack, but the order will make it a legal requirement. Breaching the order could see Mabel destroyed.
Mr Fusco, of Windrush, did not oppose the court order but told the magistrates that he has been walking Mabel in the area for four years and there have been no previous incidents.
He claims Mabel “did not instigate” the incident, but he accepted what she did afterwards was not acceptable. He said she “deserves to be on a lead and muzzled, I understand that”.
Magistrates granted the order. Mabel must be muzzled and on a lead no longer than six feet long when being walked in any public place.
