‘Husky’ bit girl, 10, on lip and hand

A GIRL aged 10 screamed in terror and pain after a husky-type dog bit and mauled her in an attack.

Katie Davies, who had been visiting a family friend’s house on Anglesey, had put out her hand to stroke the animal. But the dog – a white three-year old malamute/ husky called Loki – pounced on her. She needed hospital treatment for injuries to her lip and hand.

Caernarfon Magistrates’ Court heard the pet’s owner had been emotionally stressed, after her grandfather died and her husband left her, which may have explained the dog’s behaviour.

Rhiannon Elin Pritchard, 34, of Pentre Berw, Gaerwen, Anglesey, admitted owning a dog dangerously out of control and causing injury to Katie Davies.

Caernarfon magistrates ordered her to do 80 hours’ unpaid work.

Prosecutor Diane Williams said on November 28 last year Katie and her mother were visiting Pritchard when the incident took place.

Stuart Langton, defending, said Pritchard is ‘devastated’. After the incident the defendant contacted a canine expert and ordered a muzzle and sprays.

Bench chairman Julie Eddows handed down a 12-month community order. Pritchard must pay her victim £1,000 plus a victim surcharge of £95 and £85 costs.

But the magistrates also made a contingency destruction order. It means Loki must wear a muzzle when on his lead and not be walked by anyone under 18.

At home, he must stay behind a dog gate to prevent front-door access.