A dog owner was taken to court after his Rottweiler attacked and killed a Yorkshire Terrier.
The Yorkshire Terrier, called Archie, was on a lead walking with its owner along Sycamore Street, in Ashington, when the incident took place in June.
The woman saw two Rottweilers coming towards them and one of them attacked Archie.
The animal suffered wounds on its side and back legs and later died of its injuries.
James Sexton, the owner of the Rottweilers, was accused of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury.
The 40-year-old, of Sycamore Street, Ashington, pleaded guilty to the offence at South East Northumberland Magistrates' Court.
His pet could have been put to sleep as a result of the incident, however a plea from the victim not to put it down persuaded magistrates to spare its life.
Prosecutor Keith Laidlaw told the court the incident happened at 2.15pm on June 6 when the woman was walking her dog and the Rottweilers appeared on the street.
Mr Laidlaw said: "Her dog was on a leash. The two other dogs were unattended - both Rottweilers were not on a leash.
"One of them came running at her dog. Archie sought refuge behind her legs but the dog managed to grab Archie by the back and legs and threw him into the air."
The Rottweiler continued to attack the Yorkshire Terrier before a man appeared on the street and struck the animal a number of times with a brush.
A woman then came and threw water over the Rottweiler, which subsequently ran away.
Archie was badly injured and died as a result of the attack.
In a statement to the court, Archie's owner, who had him for around eight years, said the incident terrified her and she was devastated by the loss of her pet. However she did not want the Rottweiler to be put down.
She added: "I love animals and never want to see any animal suffer or put down.
"It's my wish that this dog is not put down."
She instead said its owner should ensure it was kept in control, especially in public.
In an interview, Sexton told officers his pet had been in the yard at his home but had managed to get out. He apologised for what happened.
His solicitor Peter Docherty said: "The dogs have never been a problem ever before in the past."
He explained that the gates to Sexton's yard, which normally opened inwards, had a fault which allowed the dog to get out. He had now repaired the gate and had obtained muzzles for both Rottweilers.
"He's very apologetic for what happened," said Mr Docherty. "He was absolutely horrified. He is a dog lover himself."
The magistrates said they took into account the comments made by Archie's owner and the fact she did not want the Rottweiler to be destroyed.
They ordered Sexton to pay £600 in compensation to the woman as well as £85 in court costs.
They also imposed an order requiring him to keep his dogs muzzled and on a leash in public places, and ensuring his garden and home remained secure. Sexton was also asked to put up signage saying "beware dangerous dogs".
