Magistrates have ordered the destruction of an illegal American bull terrier after it injured a ten-year-old boy playing rugby.
The dog’s owner, Daniel Jordan Davies, 28, of Bryn Seion Street, Rhymney, appeared before Newport Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, June 11, and was also ordered to pay a total of £4,500 in compensation.
Davies pleaded guilty to a single charge under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and the court decided that it could not be satisfied that the dog would not constitute a danger to public safety. The court was told how the dog was out of control at a field near Oakland Terrace in Rhymney on November 18 last year.
The dog was reported to have attacked the boy as he played rugby with his younger brother. The boy’s grandfather punched the dog to save his grandson and was left with broken wrists. The boy was treated for cuts on his buttocks and arms.
As well as paying the compensation, Davies was also ordered to undertake 100 hours of unpaid community service and has 12 months to complete this.
The compensation will be paid at a rate of £100 a month.
The dog will be destroyed within three weeks unless an appeal is lodged.