Woman's dog faces being destroyed after it bit two…

Woman's dog faces being destroyed after it bit two police officers in Cramlington

A woman's pet dog is facing destruction after it attacked two police officers in Northumberland.

The constables had attended Linsie Thompson's Cramlington home after she reported a dispute with her neighbour but she turned verbally aggressive when they refused to arrest him, a court heard. Two of the 31-year-old's dogs then managed to escape from her house, with one making a beeline for one of the officers.

The "snarling" animal, described as a Staffordshire Bull Terrier crossed with a Jack Russell, then "latched on" to the victim's leg for a few seconds before letting go and turning his attention to the other victim and biting his foot, South East Northumberland Magistrates' Court was told. The dog eventually let go but the officer was forced to kick it in the face to prevent it attacking him again, prosecutors said.

Now, after Thompson appeared in the dock to plead guilty to having a dog dangerously out of control and causing injury, the pet is facing the possibility of being put to sleep.

Prosecutor, James Long, said two police officers attended Thompson's home on September 21 this year after she reported a dispute with her neighbour. However, she soon started shouting and swearing at the pair when she was told he would not be getting arrested.

Mr Long said: "She left a gate open going back into her address and two staffies run out the house. The white dog jumped up on the back of [the first PC]. The dog bit [the first PC] to the back of his right leg, causing him to shout out in pain. The dog was latched on to the officer's leg until it released its grip after two or three seconds."

The court heard that, as the first constable then quickly made his way out the gate, the snarling dog turned on the second officer, who used his foot to try and keep it at bay. Mr Long added: "The dog then bit that officer on the right foot. It latched on again.

"He shouted to the defendant to get control of her dog and she said "I'm trying". The dog released his grip but went back to the officer and he kicked it in the face. That caused the dog to back off and the defendant grabbed its collar."

The court was told that neither officer was seriously injured, however, the animal was seized and Mr Long confirmed that the prosecution were applying for it to be destroyed, which is to be contested by Thompson.

Glenn Reardon, defending, continued: "She would say there has been no previous issues with the dog. It all happens in just a few seconds and she does make efforts to get the dog back inside her property. Both she and the dog were in a heightened state."

District Judge Kate Meek adjourned the case to the preparation of a pre-sentence report. Thompson was released on unconditional bail to appear back before the same court on November 10, when the dog's fate will also be determined.

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