A north-east dog facing a death sentence was handed a stay of execution yesterday while she is assessed by an expert.
Ruby, a three-year-old collie, could be destroyed after biting a shop assistant’s leg while out for a walk in Fraserburgh.
Owner Marie Wiseman previously admitted breaching the Dangerous Dogs Act, but has pleaded for mercy.
Wiseman’ sentence was expected to take place in August but her legal team asked for more time so they could secure funding for a special report
Yesterday at Peterhead Sheriff Court her agent, solicitor Sam Milligan, asked for the special hearing to be deferred once more to give the dog-behaviour expert time to examine Ruby.
Mr Milligan said: “The defence are intending to instruct and animal behaviouralist who is an expert who will consider the temperament of the dog.”
He added that his client did not wish to comment at this time.
Sheriff Andrew Miller granted the request and experts have six weeks to assess what risk – if any – Ruby poses to the general public.
When the case appears before Sheriff Miller again in October, the judge will decide whether or not to put the dog down.
He can also consider the possibility of imposing a contingent destruction order which would involve certain conditions being imposed on Wiseman. These could include muzzling the dog or keeping her on a lead.
The court previously heard that Wiseman had been walking with Ruby along Gallowhill Road in Fraserburgh just before 9am on November 16.
Christina MacGregor, who works at the D&G Anderson grocery store, was opening for business when the black-and-white collie ran past.
Fiscal David Thorburn told the court: “It suddenly turned and, without warning, went towards her (Ms MacGregor). It was snarling loudly.
“The shop worker then felt a pain to her lower leg and she screamed out. She realised she had been bitten by the dog.”
Wiseman grabbed Ruby, pulled her away and put a harness and lead on her.
Mr Thorburn said the shop assistant was left with a swollen, bruised leg but did not seek medical attention.
“There were teeth marks visible on her leg,” he said.
He added that witnesses said Ms MacGregor was shaking and very upset.
Wiseman, 39, of Queen Mary Street, Fraserburgh, said later that her pet had been frightened by a noise and acted out of character.