Dog to be destroyed after biting postie in Penycae

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A DOG that bit a postal worker after previously attacking two young boys will be put down, a judge ruled.

Natasha Richards was left with long-term scarring after an English sheepdog-alsatian cross-breed named Sam bit her on the leg as she delivered mail at a home in Coed y Graig in Penycae on September 17.

Miss Richards approached the gate at the home of the dog’s owner Herbert John Rutherford, 76, and felt a pain in her right leg, Justin Espie, prosecuting, said.

She looked round and saw the dog next to her, which then ran off into a communal garden shared by Rutherford and his neighbour.

District judge Gwyn Jones, sitting at Wrexham Magistrates Court, was shown pictures of bruising and puncture wounds on Miss Richards’ leg.

In a victim statement Miss Richards said she dreaded going into work after the bite and had become very wary of dogs.

She added her injuries still caused pain, especially when she stands for extensive periods, and added doctors had told her she would be scarred for “a long time”.

Mr Espie said that Rutherford’s neighbour Mr Frank Coffin looked after Sam at night and returned him at noon each day.

The court heard Sam had previously attacked two young boys in Penycae in 2008 while in Mr Coffin’s care and a control order had been imposed.

Andy Hutchinson, defending, said Rutherford suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and heart problems.

He added Rutherford had no previous convictions and cautions and said his care worker now looked after Sam at another address.

Rutherford admitted a charge of being the owner and person in charge of a dog that was dangerously out of control.

Judge Jones told Rutherford he had taken into account his early guilty plea and previous good character.

But the prosecution had indicated previous incidents where a control order was made against the animal.

He ordered that Sam must be destroyed within 28 days

He said: “On this occasion the dog was clearly out of control and while so out of control caused a significant injury to a member of the public.

“I have seen the injuries and it is quite clear from the photographs that the postal worker was subjected to significant pain and suffering as a result of Sam’s actions.”

Rutherford was fined £110, with £85 court costs and a £20 victim surcharge. He must also pay Miss Richards £500 in compensation.

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