A DOG owner has been warned to improve security at her home after her dogs got out and left a passer-by fearing she was going to be mauled.
Beverley Tomblin told how she was “absolutely terrified” as the Staffordshire bull terrier and Patterdale terrier jumped up and clawed her as she tried to shield her own dog from them in her arms.
The dogs, which belong to Teresa Carter (33), of Battlefields Lane South, Holbeach, had got out when a gate was left unlocked.
Carter was sentenced at Spalding Magistrates’ Court on Thursday after pleading guilty to two charges of allowing her dogs to be dangerously out of control in a public place and cause injury.
Rebecca Ritson, prosecuting, said the incident happened at 4.30pm on July 28, 2011, as Mrs Tomblin walked her dog past the house with her ten-year-old daughter and her friend.
Miss Ritson said the dogs caused “painful” scratches to Mrs Tomblin’s back and right hip before they were restrained by Carter’s husband.
She said: “Mrs Tomblin said she was absolutely terrified that she would be mauled.”
Police later visited the property and reported the dogs to be calm and not aggressive.
Beris Brickles, defending, said the dogs had been attracted to Mrs Tomblin’s dog, which was in season, and Carter did not know the gate had been left unlocked.
He said: “This is very unfortunate because my client has no experience with these dogs acting in this manner before.”
Mr Brickles said the case had a “traumatic” effect on Carter’s health and Mrs Tomblin had since managed a “worldly vendetta” against her, with reports to the RSPCA and messages on Facebook.
Carter was given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £150 compensation to Mrs Tomblin and £85 towards court costs. A control order was made for the dogs.
Magistrate Jim Price said: “We are satisfied that in the circumstances it’s a difficult situation and not one of your making.”
Mr Price said there were “weaknesses” in security on the gate, which should be improved.