Bailiff attacked by out-of-control dog HE WAS COLLECTING DEBTS FROM OWNER FOR COUNCIL

with several puncture wounds to his right hand, wrist and forearm which were over an inch in length.

After being discharged he had to return three days later when his wound became infected.

Magistrates heard that Mr Jones suffered altered sensation where he was bitten.

He has undergone intensive physiotherapy to re-establish movement in his hand and this is expected to improve.

Paul Blanchard, mitigating, said that the five-year-old dog had been in the family since he was a puppy and they had never experienced problems with him before.

He told magistrates the property has a tall gate which is normally kept locked and an ‘Akita On Duty’ sign fixed to it.

Mr Blanchard added: “Miss Brock would have appeared upset in relation to the bailiff attending to recover money.

“The dog probably appreciates that his owner is in a distressed state, comes out and attacks Mr Jones.

“The dog was under her control as she was able to come out and immediately stop him.

“Even the most placid of dogs have within them the ability to lose control and that’s what happened this time.”

Magistrates made a contingency destruction order, meaning that the dog will not be put down if he is kept muzzled and on a lead in public and the gate is locked when he is in the garden.

They gave Brock a conditional discharge but she has to pay £250 compensation to Mr Jones.