Owner had to prise open pet’s jaws after it attacked Labrador

A Fife man has been ordered to pay compensation after his dog latched on to a woman’s Labrador with a “vice-like grip” and left it with puncture wounds.

Craig Dingwall’s large Japanese akita and neapolitan mastiff cross Dozer was off the lead when it pinned 11-yearold Rusty to the ground during the attack in Oakley.

A passerby intervened but could not free Rusty.

Dingwall himself eventually prised open his pet’s jaws.

Procurator fiscal depute Azrah Yousaf told Dunfermline Sheriff Court that the other dog owner was walking Rusty on the lead on May 31 2021 when she crossed paths with Dingwall, 49, and his dog in Stobie Place.

He said the Labrador required a “large amount” of vet treatment which cost £1,161.

Dingwall, of Old Mill Lane, Oakley, pled guilty to allowing his dog to cause danger or injury to, or give reasonable cause for alarm or annoyance to another.

Defence lawyer Elaine Buist said her client has taken on board advice from the dog warden to keep his pet muzzled and on the lead.

Sheriff James Macdonald said he understood the maximum sentence is a fine of £500.

Dingwall was ordered to pay £500 compensation to the Labrador owner.