Court hears injured woman left in 'state of panic' after American Staffordshire Bull Terrier attack

A 25-year-old man has admitted being in charge of a dog which was dangerously out of control in Selkirk.

Justin Mawby's American Staffordshire Bull Terrier attacked another dog in the town's Mauldsheugh - an area of community woodland - around 4pm on May 31st, 2022.

Selkirk Sheriff Court today (Tuesday) heard the Springer Spaniel-Labrador cross, called Buddy, and his female owner, were injured in the incident.

A report's now been ordered into whether Mawby should be allowed to keep his dog.

The prosecutor told the court, the woman had been walking her pet off the lead when she heard a deep growling, and then a male voice saying: 'Oh s***!'

The American Staffordshire Bull Terrier - named Jackson - had charged towards her dog and latched on to its throat with its mouth.

The court heard both Mawby and Buddy's owner made efforts to split them up, which resulted in all four of them rolling off the path and down a banking.

Two passersby stepped in to help and, when the pair were finally separated, Mawby tied Jackson up to a nearby tree before going to check the woman was okay.

However, Jackson escaped his lead and went for Buddy again.

The woman, described as being "in a state of panic", jumped towards the dogs in an effort to stop the attack.

But the court heard one of the passersby had to put his hand in Jackson's mouth to pry him off.

"At this time," the prosecutor added, "the accused was apologising profusely to the witness."

The woman suffered a small puncture wound to the back of her right ankle and bruising to her hands.

But the court was told she didn't seek medical or veterinary treatment, either for herself or her dog.

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Mawby's solicitor, Liam Alexander, said his client still has the American Staffordshire Bull Terrier but now walks him on a lead, with a muzzle.

He said it would be up to the court to decide whether Jackson should be destroyed, and whether his client is a fit and proper person to own the dog.

Mawby, of Scott Crescent, Selkirk, was visibly upset as the court discussed the potential destruction of his dog.

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Sheriff Peter Paterson revealed he is considering imposing a conditional destruction order, which means the dog would be saved - as long as it behaves itself.

And, given he had looked after Jackson without further incidents for almost three years, Sheriff Paterson said it appears Mawby is a fit and proper person to be in control of the animal.

However, after hearing he is not in work due to issues with his mental health, the Sheriff has deferred sentence for a medical report to satisfy himself that there is nothing to prevent Mawby from keeping an American Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

The case is due to recall on March 31st.

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