Puppy-killing dog to be destroyed

St Bernard’s owner fined after rescue dog fatally mauled pet

A sheriff has ordered a savage Bulgarian St Bernard be destroyed after it mauled a jackadoodle puppy to death.

The fate of rescue dog Douglas was sealed at Forfar Sheriff Court yesterday after his guardian admitted he had been dangerously out of control. But 60-year-old Philip Pudney – who fosters dogs from all over the world – was not banned from keeping animals.

Pudney, of Keptie Road, Arbroath, was fined £500 and ordered to pay for another dog for Sarah Connor, owner of four-month-old Buzz, who was killed in the attack in Arbroath.

Sheriff Gregor Murray said: “I will deal with this by ordering the destruction of Douglas.”

A St Bernard dog that attacked an Angus woman and savaged her pet will be destroyed, after his guardian admitted it was dangerously out of control.

Four-month-old jacka-doodle Buzz had to be put down after it and owner Sarah Connor were attacked by three-year-old rescue dog Douglas in a popular dog-walking area of Arbroath last month.

Philip Pudney, who cared for Douglas as part of his role with a rescue charity, appeared at Forfar Sheriff Court and admitted being in charge of the “dangerously out of control” dog.

It had been part of a pack being walked by Pudney and a friend at the West Links on May 10.

A sheriff ordered the dog’s destruction but stopped short of banning 60-year-old Pudney from keeping other animals, on the understanding that he would pay Ms Connor to buy another dog.

Depute fiscal Jill Drummond said: “The accused is retired, however is a volunteer with Saving Saints Rescue UK.

“Part of his duties is that he fosters dogs from all over the world and has a dog-walking service.

“For the past three weeks he had Douglas, originally from Bulgaria where the tips of his ears and tail were cut off and he was used to guard sheep.”

Ms Drummond said Douglas’s behaviour had improved to the point where it was felt he could be let off the lead, but was fitted with an electric collar.

“At 9.30am on May 10, witness Connor approached the paddling pool area of West Links and saw the accused with six dogs on and off the lead,” she added.

She “did not get a good feeling” and walked away from them while Buzz was on the lead, but was chased by Douglas and a rottweiler.

“The St Bernard picked up the dog and shook it three or four times in the air.”

The dog then bit Ms Connor when she attempted to intervene.

Pudney has appealed for public support of the charity he volunteers for, and organised a fundraiser in Arbroath this year.

Defence agent Lynne Sturrock said her client had made an “error in judgment” in letting the dog off the lead.

“He has volunteered and trained dogs for some 30 years,” she said.

“Mr Pudney wholly apologises to the court and to the owner of the dog.

“He did try to control the animal through the collar and other means but that was not successful.”

Acknowledging Pudney had a “commendable” record in helping animals, Sheriff Gregor Murray said: “Anyone going to the West Links in Arbroath with their dog, to see at least two St Bernards, a St Bernard cross, a rottweiler, a lab and a westie, however well trained, is going to be concerned.”

The sheriff added: “As you have correctly accepted, Douglas was dangerously out of control.

“I will deal with this by ordering the destruction of Douglas.”

Pudney, of Keptie Road, Arbroath, was also fined £500.

Philip Pudney cared for the St Bernard as part of his role with a rescue charity.

The St Bernard attacked a woman and her pet jackadoodle.