Man ordered to control dog after mauling

A MAN whose German Shepherd dog dragged a woman to the ground has been ordered to keep the animal under control.

Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday heard Henry Sheenan's dog had been left loose in a communal area and mauled Ellen Reid as she went to visit a friend.

Sheenan, 54, admitted being in control of a dangerous dog which attacked Ms Reid, leaving her injured and distressed at Newcraighall Road, Edinburgh, on 28 July.

Defence agent Vincent Belmonte said Sheenan had taken his two dogs out of their kennel when he had a phone call.

He said: "Stupidly, he went into the house and took the call at just the moment when the lady arrived. It was a total lack of thought on his part."

Mr Belmonte added there was no history of such behaviour from the dog and it had been kept in kennels since the incident.

Sheenan was warned that if he breaches the control order he could face up to 12 months in prison and an order for the dog's destruction would be made.