Veterinary nurse fined after dog bites Buckie child
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A veterinary nurse has been fined after one of her Australian Cattle Dogs bit an eight-year-old child.
Elgin Sheriff Court heard that the pet owned by Rachel Roberts escaped from her garden during the evening of July 16 last year.
The dog, which is called Dinky and was born deaf, then bit the youngster who lived nearby on Well Road, Buckie.
Procurator Fiscal Karen Poke said: "The boy was playing in the garden of his own house.
"His mother, who was inside, saw the dog charging towards him.
"The dog bit him on the left hand and wouldn't let go."
The court was told that Dinky ran off after the woman opened a window and shouted at him.
It was stated that the incident lasted about 15 seconds.
The child was taken to hospital with a puncture wound that measured about 2cm by 3cm.
The defendant works for the Seafield Veterinary Group and is the owner of three Australian Cattle Dogs.
Defence solicitor Iain Maltman stated that, following a civil court case, his client had already paid £2000 in compensation to the youngster's family.
The lawyer added that she had since moved to a more rural location at Nether Dallachy, where her dogs have a play area that's surrounded by a 5ft-high fence.
Mr Maltman also commented that deafness is quite a common affliction in the breed, which are also known as Blue Heelers.
He said: "The dog became overexcited for some reason.
"My client has grown up with dogs in the household. On the day in question the gate had been left open before the dogs were let outside.
"She acknowledges that this was her fault and she apologises for her mistake."
Roberts, who's aged 27, admitted a charge of allowing her pet to be dangerously out of control.
Sheriff David Sullivan ordered that the dog, which is now aged 10, should be muzzled whenever it's outside.
He also imposed a £220 fine.
