A SINGLE mum has been ordered to pay compensation to another Powys woman after her rescue dog bit her – but the dog will not have to be put down.

Victim Sheena Kidd was “terrified” during the ordeal and suffered puncture wounds after being bitten by Gemma Rothery’s lurcher cross labrador, Alfie, in Rhayader on February 12 last year.

The incident happened near Rothery’s Maes Brenin home at around 6.15pm, when she was out walking the dog with her son.

The mother-of-four previously admitted a charge of being in charge of a dog that was dangerously out of control, and appeared at Llandrindod Wells Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, January 31, to be sentenced.

Prosecutor Shane Maddocks said Ms Kidd had been walking back to her mum’s house when the incident happened. She encountered a teenager who was holding a medium sized dog.

“She was trying to shield her right knee as she had recently had surgery on it,” said Mr Maddocks.

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Alfie bit her, which resulted in Ms Kidd screaming in pain.

“She could feel its teeth piercing her skin,” said Mr Maddocks.

“Her palm and the back of her hand felt on fire. The dog had her whole hand in its mouth. She had a tetanus injection and was put on antibiotics.”

In a victim impact statement provided by Ms Kidd, she said: “I feel triggered when I see dogs, the neighbour has a dog and it is often in the garden, it makes playful growls, which takes me back to that incident.

“I never thought this would have as big an impact on my life. I have permanent scars from the puncture wounds.”

Probation officer Donna Davies, speaking after completing a pre-sentence report, told the court that Alfie is ordinarily muzzled and on a lead, but that the incident had occurred after he had been let free while out on a walk.

“The defendant said that after the walk she passed the lead on to her son so she could climb over the fence,” said Ms Davies.

“She heard him say “Watch out he’ll bite’. The dog then lunged at the victim and latched onto her hand.

“She knows it’s her responsibility to make sure the dog is on a lead, which she failed to do. She is aware of the dog’s propensity to bite, as it’s a rescue and has heightened anxiety.

“She said the dog would usually have been muzzled, it is her responsibility to make sure it is not a danger to the public.

“She is remorseful and anxious not to pose any more risk to the public.”

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Gareth Walters, representing Rothery, said the terms of a destruction order were not opposed by her.

“By and large she is a responsible dog owner, but she accepts she was not in control (of him) on this occasion,” he said.

“She has taken responsibility. It was her who should have been in control.

“The terms of the destruction order are not opposed. Having it hanging over her will be enough to make sure it won’t happen again. Nothing has happened since this incident.”

Magistrates approved a contingent destruction order: Alfie must be muzzled, on a harness and on a lead whenever he is in public.

Rothery was also handed a 2-month community order with a curfew attached. She must remain indoors from 7pm-7am each day for the next 2 months.

She must also pay Ms Kidd £300 compensation. She has to pay the court a £57 surcharge, but magistrates ordered no costs.