A rescue dog has been given another chance at life after a Sheriff chose not to destroy it under the dangerous dogs act.
Bongo the Alsatian bit a neighbour and a police officer back in 2019, but due to it’s owner Kamila Karolina taking “measures” to ensure it doesn’t happen again it has been saved by the court.
Kamila Karolina admitted last week at Paisley Sheriff Court she was the owner of Bongo on September 28, 2019 when he bit Hugh Fairly in Brown Street, Paisley.
The 22-year-old also admitted she was the owner of Bongo on September 29, 2019 when he bit Police Constable Lucy Craig while she was on duty at Brown Street.
Procurator fiscal Ms McKechan told the court: “The incident took place in a courtyard communal area which is used for hanging out washing and bin storage at flats on Brown Street.
“Around 11.30am on Saturday, September 28, 2019, the witness Hugh Fairly was attending the communal area to hang out his washing.
“The accused was outside with her dog – an Alsatian – off the lead and not muzzled.
“Mr Fairly began hanging out his washing when the dog approached him, but he did not touch the dog.
“Mr Fairly bent down to get washing from his basket and the dog bit him on the hand.
“The dog only released its grip when Mr Fairly struck it on the head.
“The dog then jumped on to the witness and he put his hands up to defend himself and the dog bit his right arm.
“Fairly began shouting for Karolina to get the dog under control but noted she was on her mobile phone.
“The accused attended and put the dog on a lead and dragged it inside.
“The incident was then reported to police.
“Mr Fairly attended hospital for treatment. He had his arm wound washed out and cleaned and was given a tetanus injection.
“On September 29, officers attended at the home address of Karolina and advised her of their reason for attendance.
“The accused freely stated, ‘the dog bit him maybe two times but he was cuddling him when he shouldn’t have been.’
“When speaking with the accused, Karolina invited officers to see the dog and assured it was well behaved.
“Officers noted the dog was in another room and was quiet while they were in attendance at the property.
“PC Bissett agreed to see the dog to establish its demeanour, but the dog came out of another room and walked towards PC Craig and without any warning and bit her.”
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Defence agent Kevin Brady explained the incident took place over two years ago and has been well-behaved since as a result of the measures put in place by Karolina.
He explained: “This is an unfortunate set of circumstances.
“This incident took place over two years ago and at the time Karolina was served by Renfrewshire Council a dog control notice which outlined certain steps the dog warden would expect to be out in place to prevent any further incidents.
“The dog warden has confirmed Karolina has been fully compliant and there’s been no further issues with the dog.
“This was a rescue dog and my client sought professional help to further train the dog and help with its socialisation.
“When out, it wears a lead and a muzzle.
“This isn’t a case where the court has to exercise the powers that it does have here.
“The passage of time and the lack of further offences, can ease the courts mind on how dangerous this dog is.”
Sheriff Gillian Craig said: “I’ve listened very carefully to what happened two years ago and I’ve listened very carefully to what’s been said by your solicitor.
“It’s clear to me that it is to your credit you’ve taken on a rescue dog who can come with their issues which couldn’t have been known.
“Your culpability is low and I am satisfied the dog isn’t a danger to the public.”
Sheriff Craig refused the Crown’s motion to destroy the dog and granted Kamila Karolina an absolute discharge.
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