A reckless pet owner whose Staffordshire terrier bit a mother as she protected her child has been banned from keeping dogs for 10 years.
Keith Smith, 55, was repeatedly warned over the behaviour of his dog known as Star.
But despite the concerns Star escaped from Smith's ground floor flat before sinking its teeth into Gillian Ford.
She had been out walking when she spotted the animal running towards her child's buggy and blocked its path but was mauled.
North Lanarkshire Council later slapped Smith with an order demanding he got his pet under control and a police investigation saw him face allegations the dog was dangerously out of control.
Smith, of Wishaw, Lanarkshire, denied any wrongdoing and went on trial at Hamilton Sheriff Court.
He claimed he had not been responsible for the dog at the time of the attack in October 2018 and blamed a friend who had taken it for a walk.
But Sheriff Alasdair MacFadyen found him guilty after hearing the dog was unattended when it attacked Ford.
He has now ruled that Smith be banned from owning or keeping dogs for the next decade.
The sheriff further put in place a contingent destruction order which requires the dog to be muzzled and on a lead in public otherwise it faces being put down.
Star is now being looked after by Smith's nephew.
Matthew McGovern, defending, said: "There would be no difficulty with imposing a disqualification order.
"The destruction order could only be imposed if it was deemed necessary but perhaps a contingent order where the dog had to be kept on a leash as it is now would be appropriate and would present no difficulties."
Sheriff MacFadyen said: "This dog was dangerously out of control and was seen approaching a family where the mother placed herself between your dog Star and her child and was bitten.
"That was against the background of evidence which the court found compelling where a number of warnings were given regarding this particular animal and as the owner you were responsible for this taking place.
"Your conduct was irresponsible and the court orders that you be disqualified for 10 years from owning or keeping a dog."
The sheriff added: "A contingent destruction order is appropriate given this is a strong animal and I'm putting you and your nephew on notice regarding that.
"Unless it is kept under proper control the dog will be destroyed."
