A TINY West Highland terrier suffered horrific injuries when it was savaged by another dog during a walk, a court heard.

Little Douglas needed emergency surgery and dozens of stitches after the terrifying incident at St Catherine's Hill in Christchurch last year.

Now the owner of the other dog has been ordered to keep his pet muzzled and on a lead and also told to pay £600 costs.

Michael Francis, of Holdenhurst Avenue, Bournemouth, failed to turn up for a hearing at Wimborne magistrates' court but was found guilty.

A spokesman for the court confirmed: "An order was made that the large tan dog be kept muzzled and on a lead while in public."

Francis is no stranger to controversy and is involved in a long-running dispute with neighbours about heaps of junk in his garden, including broken-down cars, engines and fridges.

There have also been complaints about the state of another site owned by Michael Francis in Southbourne.

In the latest case, the court was told how Douglas was being walked by owners Patrick and Carol Wickson in April last year when the attack took place.

Mr Wickson told the Daily Echo: "I had to wrestle the big dog to the ground and the owner didn't seem a bit interested in keeping it under control.

"At first he refused to give his details but luckily I had a witness so he eventually gave his name and address."

Mr Wickson said seven-year-old Douglas was rushed to an emergency vet and treated for severe injuries.

"We were told he was lucky to have survived," said Mr Wickson.