Dog on death row after Dundee mum mauled
A dog is on death row and it's owner facing jail after it savaged a woman in front of her terrified four-year-old son.
A dog is on death row and it's owner facing jail after it savaged a woman in front of her terrified four-year-old son.
Christopher Doig's Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Butch, attacked Doig's neighbour, Sheila Brand, at her home in Dundee's Douglas area in May.
Cops later reported that Doig "did not see what happened as an issue" and displayed a "couldn't care less attitude" towards the attack.
The animal first bit her golden retriever, Spike, prompting the 35-year-old to go and try to pull Butch off.
The Staffie then turned it's attention on Miss Brand, biting her on the hand and leaving her bleeding profusely with severe damage to her hand.
This was seen by Doig's son, who ran to get his father who then had to pull Butch off of Miss Brand.
Fiscal depute Eilidh Robertson told Dundee Sheriff Court: "Miss Brand went to accident and emergency.
"She was asked to come back the following day when she operated upon by a plastic surgeon.
She had a damaged tendon on her finger, but exploratory surgery determined that she did not need any treatment to the tendon.
"The wound was closed with stitches and she was discharged from hospital later that day.
"Miss Brand has been left with a visible scar on her hand.
"Miss Brand was off work for three weeks after the incident and when she returned her duties had to be altered as she could not do any heavy lifting.
"She states that her son is now afraid of dogs after witnessing the incident.
"The accused told the officers that his dog 'goes for anything'.
"He told the officers there was no point in putting a muzzle on Butch as he would chew through it."
Miss Robertson added: "It is unknown how long the accused has owned Butch for, however a number of witnesses, including some children, have come forward to police following the incident on the indictment to report previous incidents involving Butch attacking other dogs over a period of around six years.
"In July 2014, the accused was given a warning letter by the Dundee City Council Dog Warden following an attack by Butch on another dog."
Doig, 41, of Dundee, pleaded guilty on indictment to a charge under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
Defence solicitor Theo Finlay said: "I have nothing to say in respect of the motion for destruction of the dog - there is nothing I can say."
Sheriff Alastair Brown ordered the destruction of the dog and deferred sentence on Doig for social work background reports.
Doig was released on bail to reappear in court for sentence next month.