A DOG will have to be kept on a lead at all times in public places after it attacked and injured another animal and its owner.

Joseph Eric Winter, 45, of Southgate, pleaded guilty to being the owner of a dangerously out of control Staffordshire terrier which injured Stephen May at Branksome Chine Beach on April 20, 2021.

He appeared at Poole Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

Prosecuting, Siobhan Oxley told the court: “The defendant was playing with his dog by the water, he was throwing flip flops for the dog to catch when Mr May, who is the owner of a collie was walking past.

“When walking past, the defendant’s dog ran and attacked the collie, jumping on it, grabbing it around the neck. The collie did sustain puncture wounds and lacerations.

“The owner of the collie did try to intervene to prevent further harm to his dog and he sustained scratches. The defendant did come and help pull the dog by its harness.”

Ms Oxley said an off-duty police officer saw the incident and went to provide assistance when the defendant gave false details.

She added that the Staffordshire terrier attempted to attack another dog.

The barrister said the magistrates would have to determine if Winter (pictured) was a “fit and proper person” to control the dog, but did not call for a destruction order.

Mitigating, James Moore said: “One of the factors that would lesser harm is genuine remorse, he got involved in trying to get his dog off the other dog.

“He has owned the dog for two years and this incident is a source of regret.

“It is very upsetting for him. He described he would walk his dog with other people and their dogs off the lead, since this incident he has not allowed his dog off the lead whatsoever.

“I would suggest he is a fit and proper person. This is a lesson, this can happen to anyone at any point.

“He has not once tried to but the blame on anyone else.”

Magistrate Martin Slade fined Winter £176, ordered him to pay costs of £85, a victim surcharge of £34 and compensation of £50.

An order was put in place meaning the dog would have to be kept on a lead in public places.

Mr Slade said: “It is our duty to make a contingent destruction order, the condition being at all times when you are outside with the dog it is kept on a lead.”