Dog attack charge denied by owner

A man has denied a charge that his Japanese Akita dog attacked a man and tried to bite another while “out of control.”

Declan Maltman, 27, is accused of not having his dog Zeus secured enough within a home – resulting in the animal running in front of traffic on Craigie Road, Ayr.

A charge document claims drivers had to take evasive action to avoid hitting the large dog on April 19. It went on to state that Zeus acted in an “aggressive manner” and tried to bite Hugh Gillies and attack his dog.

The charge also claims that Zeus then repeatedly bit Craig Harvey on the body to his severe injury.

Maltman, of Foreglen Road, Dalrymple denied all the accusations at Ayr Sheriff Court earlier this month.

He was not present but a lawyer put forward a not guilty plea on his behalf. He will face trial on June 12.