A MAN was given a stark warning in court after his dog attacked a postman.

William Paul West, of Eskdale Drive in Dalton, appeared before Furness Magistrates' Court on Tuesday charged with owning a dog that was dangerously out of control.

The incident took place on July 6 at the defendant's address, when his dog ran out of the house and attacked postman Stuart Metcalfe.

Mr Lee Dacre, prosecuting, said: "The complainant in this case was the postman who was making his way around the area and approached the house.

"He knocked on the door, because he required a signature, and took a step back.

"When the door opened a dog came out and lunged straight at the postman and bit him twice on the right thigh with force."

The postman was then taken to Furness General Hospital where he was given a tetanus jab, antibiotics and painkillers.

He suffered a substantial amount of pain and there was a lot of bruising to the area.

Mr Dacre continued: "This incident has made him very wary. Before this he always was a dog lover and has a dog himself, but now he is more apprehensive.

"Whenever he goes into work he checks the book to see if there are any potential hazards.

"This incident has had a significant impact on both his work and his daily life."

West pleaded guilty to the incident but insisted that his dog was not a threat.

Addressing the court he said: "We've had the dog for seven years and this is the first time we've had any problems.

"He is usually good around people, and other dogs and children."

However, West was devastated that his dog, a Patterdale terrier border collie cross called Bobby, behaved in such a way and has taken measures to ensure it never happens again.

He said: "We have now got a child gate installed in the porch so he can't get beyond that.

"We've always made a point that if anyone comes to the door we put the dog in a separate room because before we had a dog that ran out and got knocked over.
"He is a nice dog."

The magistrates considered the case but decided some further measures must be put in place to prevent any further attacks.

Presiding magistrate Mr Steve Sim said: "The bench has read the report and we've listened to what has been said but at the end of the day the gentleman concerned was bitten twice and had to receive hospital treatment and has had his work impacted by the incident.

"However, we do believe it was an isolated incident and that you've already put in place some preventative measures.

"We also believe that you are a fit and proper to own a dog."

The magistrates ordered that the dog should be muzzled when out in public and in the garden. It must also be on a lead at all times when in a public place.

If these rules are not abided by, the dog must be destroyed.

West was also fined £250, ordered to pay compensation of £150, £85 costs and a £30 victim surcharge.