DOG owner Yvonne Gainey stood by while one of her dogs attacked a jogger -a court heard on Friday.
Ms Gainey, 53, of Heath Lane, Chippenham, pleaded guilty to being in charge of a dog that was dangerously out of control.
The
court heard how Gainey was walking her three dogs unleashed in Startley
when her six-year-old black Labrador attacked a passing jogger.
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Prosecutor Paula Mulhern said: "The complainant Miss Bailey was jogging along and saw three dogs not on leads.
"The black Labrador attacked her and Miss Gainer did not do anything."
The attack left two puncture wounds on her leg and she ran away.
"A short time after the dog followed her and attacked her again. Miss Gainer did nothing to stop that attack."
Ms Mulhern told the court Gainey had since written a letter to Miss Bailey apologising for her actions and expressing remorse.
Defending Will Griffith told the court this was the first time Gainey
had walked her dogs unleashed and she had not done so since the attack.
He said Gainey, who has had dogs for 30 years, was of good character and had no previous convictions.
Mr
Griffith said: "The dogs have never shown any aggression. It was an
exceptional incident. Gainey had neutered Guinness shortly before and
it takes 18 months for dogs to recover."
The court heard how
Gainey did not help the victim because she thought it would incite the
situation and she wanted the dogs to follow her away from the scene.
Magistrates ruled Gainey should pay £50 compensation to Miss Bailey and £43 court costs.
Chair
Mrs Cousins said: "We have heard a lot about your dogs and we think the
most appropriate way to deal with this is an absolute discharge."
Magistrates also ruled that Gainey keep her dog under control at all times.