A DOG'S fate is to be decided tomorrow after it bit and injured a postman in Millom.

Brian David Skelton was found guilty of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control when he appeared at South Cumbria Magistrates' Court on February 12.

His border collie Patch injured postman Gavin Robinson at Castle Cottages on August 9 when it took hold of him while he was stood at the front door of the house.

The postman needed hospital treatment after suffering a wound on his arm which damaged the muscle.

Skelton, 28, of King Street, Millom, had denied the offence. The defendant, is not the owner of Patch, but the court heard he was the only person in the house and in charge of the dog, which had previously shown aggressive behaviour. The dog is owned by Mr Jackson.

Presiding magistrate, Mrs Sharon Gillam, told Skelton: "You were the only person at the property and you knew the dog had an aggressive nature. You let the dog over the threshold.

"You were in charge of the dog that day."

The court said it will have to consider if Patch should be destroyed. The case was adjourned until tomorrow as magistrates requested the attendance of Mr Jackson.

Skelton is set to be sentenced at the same court hearing.

Royal Mail spokesman Henry Perry said: "Dog attacks are a significant hazard faced by our postmen and women on a daily basis.

"On average seven postmen and women a day are attacked by dogs across the UK, some leading to permanent and disabling injuries. In this instance, the postman suffered a serious bite to his forearm that resulted in muscle damage and required extensive hospital treatment."

Royal Mail said in Cumbria's LA and CA postcode areas, 83 and 62 attacks have taken place in the past five years respectively.

Mr Perry said: “We ask all dog owners to take responsibility and keep their pets under control.

"We know that the overwhelming majority of dogs are friendly most of the time, however, even the most placid animal will defend itself if it feels its territory is being threatened.

"Our first priority as an employer is to ensure the welfare and safety of our people who provide a valuable service to our customers.

"When it is unsafe for our postmen and women to deliver we will, and do, suspend deliveries as a last resort."