A pit bull terrier has been given a chance to live after biting a stranger who tried to stroke him.
The pet’s owner Andrew Saunders appeared at Swindon Magistrates’ Court this morning (Monday, 26 September) as the police applied for a contingent destruction order.
The 30-year-old, of Welcome Avenue, told District Judge Joanna Dickens that he did not oppose the application – which allowed the dog, named Diesel, to live under strict terms.
PC Steve Duffy, the officer responsible for dog legislation at Wiltshire Police, said that on 18 April this year a member of the public was bitten by the animal.
It happened when they lend over into the owner’s garden and attempted to stroke Diesel. He went on to bite their fingers and arm. The victim reported the incident but did not support further action.
PC Duffy went on to say that Saunders appears to be a fit and proper person to own a dog, adding that he claims to have turned down £1,000 to stud the dog – making him a responsible owner.
Diesel is currently being held in secure police kennels in a secret location.
District Judge Dickens imposed the contingent destruction order with a number of strict conditions.
Diesel must be: microchipped in the owner’s name, neutered before he’s released from police kennels, kept muzzled in public places and be insured to include injury to third parties.
The dog must also be kept in a secure area within the home and must not access the front garden. He is able to go into the back garden due to its secure six-foot-tall fencing.
Further incidents or non-compliance with the order would see the dog put to sleep.
