Reprieve for 'danger' dog

Cookie, a four-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier, was due to be destroyed after magistrates heard that he had bitten a neighbour on the chest.

But owner Grace Airey, who lives in Stanley Street, Accrington, is now celebrating after successfully appealing against the sentence.

Mrs Airey, 46, who had to pay a £750 fine after the incident, gathered evidence from local vets and a dog obedience trainer to back her claim that Cookie shouldn't be put down.

Now, after an appeal hearing at Burnley Crown Court, the dog is forced to wear a muzzle every time he leaves the house.

Cookie attacked Maria Mazzolin in the alley that separates Stanley Street and Bold Street in May. She suffered minor injuries.

But Mrs Mazzolin, who lives in Bold Street, said the incident had left her terrified to walk in the alley. She said: "That dog is dangerous and the attack could have been worse. If I was a child it would have ripped my face off."

The incident happened after Cookie was let out of the back gate of Mrs Airey's property. Mrs Mazzolin was walking into Accrington when the dog approached her, jumped up at her and bit her on the chest.

Mrs Mazzolin added: "It was horrible. The dog dug his teeth in to my clothing and was hanging from me until he was called off by his owner."

Her daughter took her to Accrington Victoria Hospital where she received treatment for cuts.

On the subject of whether Cookie should be put down she added: "Something needed to happen and at least he now has to wear a muzzle - I don't know about him being put down."

Mrs Airey said the incident was out of character: "Cookie has never bitten anyone before in his life.

"It would have been so unfair if he had to be put down because of one isolated incident.

"He is a lovely dog and I've no qualms about letting my nephews or my grandchild be around him.

"If I had been bitten I would not have liked it, I feel really sorry for her, but I am sure it will not happen again.