An escaped dog attacked an elderly Jack Russell before 'clamping its jaws' on her owner, a court has heard.

Anya Legg, of Lewis Street, Pembroke Dock, appeared at Haverfordwest magistrates court for sentencing on Tuesday, December 11, after she was found guilty of owning a dog which injured a man while dangerously out of control, following a trial earlier this month.

Abul Hussain, prosecuting, told the court Mark Morris was walking his dogs on July 5 when a malamute ran out of Legg’s house and attacked his Jack Russell Lily.

Mr Morris’ hand was bitten as he intervened, and 13 year-old Lily was bleeding heavily after the incident.

In a victim impact statement read to the court, Mr Morris said he had lost earnings as a result of the dog ‘clamping its jaws’ on his thumb, and had not regained full movement.

He added that Lily had bite marks around her neck and suffered from a limp after the attack, which left him with a vet bill of £707.

“At the time she was bleeding heavily and we thought that we were going to lose her. The attack has really slowed her down.”

Legg, 21, who was previously of clean character, claimed that her boyfriend had mistakenly left the door ajar leading to the dog’s escape.

Jonathan Webb, defending, said: “She has not shied away from her responsibility as far as the actions of the dog are concerned. She apologised in court and in her first interview, and has offered to pay the vet’s bill.”

Mr Webb added that Jupiter the malamute had never done anything similar before, and Legg was confident that she did not pose a risk to anyone, including her own baby.

“This happened so quickly, she did not even know that the dog had bolted.

“She says she is ‘gutted’ that her dog got out and attacked another dog.”

The court heard that Jupiter was now muzzled when out in public and walked late at night to avoid the complainant’s dogs. A new gate had also been installed at Legg’s home.

“She is a responsible dog owner and had taken remedial actions. She is very, very sorry.”

Magistrates ordered Legg to pay £1,317 in fines, court costs, compensation and a surcharge, and made an order that Jupiter must be muzzled and on a lead in public.