Pupils saw dog-on-dog attack as they waited for lessons at The Oaks Primary School in Ipswich
Ipswich Magistrates Court on Elm Street. - Credit: Sarah Lucy brown
A court has been unable to put a control order on a large dog which was dangerously out of control when it attacked a smaller dog in front of children outside an Ipswich primary school.
Ipswich magistrates were going to consider the move during a case involving Kimberley Hatfield, of Aster Road, Ipswich, but they were told Rocky, a mixed breed, had been sold to a new owner.
As the owner was not in court an order could not be made.
Hatfield pleaded guilty to being in charge of Rocky when he was dangerously out of control.
Rocky, which was owned by the 20-year-old’s partner, was said to have been sold to someone in the Woodbridge area since the offence on April 19.
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The dog attack happened outside The Oaks primary school, in Aster Road, as youngsters waited to go in.
Prosecutor Colette Harper said the female owner of a small dog, named Star, had been standing outside the school. Star was on a lead and muzzled.
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Rocky came across from the other side of the road and attacked Star.
Hatfield, who lived on the other side of the street, was in charge of Rocky that day.
Hatfield and her partner Glen Tilley had only had the dog for around three weeks. Mrs Harper said the previous owner warned them Rocky “could go hyper”.
A community resolution was offered to Hatfield, which would resolve the matter with the owner of the other dog without bringing a case to court.
Both parties accepted on the basis Hatfield would pay the £281.60 vet’s bill for Star to treat the injuries Rocky caused. However, no money was paid.
A statement from Star’s owner said: “The attack by the other dog really affected me emotionally, mentally and financially.”
Hatfield, representing herself, said Rocky had an ear infection at the time of the incident.
Magistrates were told the dog was found a new home in the Woodbridge area after the attack.
Mr Tilley added compensation had not been paid as his partner had been pregnant and they had forgotten as they were worried about their baby.
Hatfield was ordered to pay the £281.60 and fined £75. She must also pay £60 costs and £30 to the victims’ fund.
