A JUDGE has spared the life of a Jack Russell terrier on condition that he is neutered within a fortnight.

The dog, called Harvey landed his owner, Christina Marchand 49, of Haybourne Road, Whitehawk, Brighton, in the dock when he bit a 16-year-old boy on the leg while playing in Hove Park.

But Judge Guy Anthony decided not to have Harvey put down after hearing it was a one-off incident.

Destruction

Instead he ordered that he should be neutered within 14 days and muzzled whenever he goes out.

After a two-day trial the jury at Lewes Crown Court found Marchand guilty of one charge of having a dog dangerously out of control.

She was acquitted of two other charges relating to other two Jack Russells, Quattro and Tia under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

Ajudge has to make a destruction order regarding a guilty verdict unless it can be shown there are special circumstances.

Marchand's barrister, John Mannion, successfully argued that Harvey should not be put down, saying that he was just a small family pet and not a danger to the public.

Judge Anthony said that the boy had suffered "a very unpleasant experience" although he accepted that the dog may have been excited as the boy tried to get away from him.

Relieved

He ordered Marchand to pay a fine of £100, compensation to the boy of £150 and £150 towards the prosecution costs.

After the hearing Mrs Marchand said: "I am relieved it is all over. Harvey is not a dangerous dog. He is just a mischievous dog. He is 18 months old and he just wanted to play."

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