A GERMAN Shepherd dog must be destroyed after being accused of biting a woman’s shoulder as she arranged her plant pots.
Dog walker Gareth Griffiths, of Endsleigh Road, Old Colwyn, had been convicted by magistrates at Llandudno, after a trial, of being in charge of a dangerously out of control dog which caused injury.
The 65-year-old had denied the offence.
At a sentencing hearing on Monday, district judge Gwyn Jones imposed a six months suspended jail term.
But he said the dog called Billy had a history of being aggressive towards other pets and on this occasion last summer had attacked a woman minding her own business.
Judge Jones said his duty to ensure the safety of the public meant Billy should be destroyed.
Griffiths must do 150 hours unpaid work.
He was also banned from owning or having charge of a dog for eight years, and has to pay £500 compensation and £620 costs.
Prosecutor James Neary said Melanie Jones had her back facing the pavement as she was gardening at her home when she felt a sharp pain. The dog had been on a lead.
The victim didn’t know Griffiths but took snaps of him with the dog a few weeks later.
Mr Neary said Griffiths believed Billy, a rescued dog, had only “nipped” the victim and it was an accident.
Representing himself, Griffiths said he was always “very careful” when walking the “well-loved” dog during the last six years.
The grandmother who owned Billy urged the court not to order the death of the “gentle” dog.
But Judge Jones told Griffiths: ”You were aware of the dog’s previous aggressive behaviour.”
Billy had bitten an innocent woman doing her gardening, he added.
