A dog which bit two police officers who were breaking up an illegal Covid house party in Dyce has been spared a death sentence.
Bella, a Staffordshire bull terrier owned by Kevin McDonald, was under threat of destruction following the incident on April 3 2021.
McDonald, 42, appeared at Aberdeen Sheriff Court to be sentenced for having a dog dangerously out of control.
The court previously heard Bella had attacked and sunk her teeth into two officers responding to a reported gathering at the height of the coronavirus lockdown on Dyce’s Sluie Drive.
Chaotic scene
Several police units had attended the address to break up the suspected party but left the “chaotic scene” with puncture wounds from Bella’s bite.
On entering the address, the officers had noted that two Staffordshire bull terriers were running though the hallway in an agitated state.
One of the dogs, Bella, bit a male officer on his upper left hamstring.
McDonald was then taken outside and restrained, but Bella managed to bite another officer on his left calf.
That officer suffered two puncture wounds and a tear to his left calf muscle, while the first constable also sustained two puncture wounds.
The officers both had their wounds cleaned but did not require stitches.
Dog warden report
The Crown requested a report from the dog warden in relation to whether the animal should be put down.
McDonald, 42, had initially rehomed Bella, but speaking outside court confirmed she was now living back at the family home in Dyce.
Defence agent Debbie Ginniver said the witness statements in the case “portray a much more chaotic scene” and added: “The police attended the address and were met with uncooperative behaviour.
“They called for additional units to assist and a large number of police descended upon the house.”
Ms Ginniver then described the “ensuing chaos” and the “first bite” taking place as her client was pushed outside by officers.
“The second bite took place in the front garden when one of the officers landed partially on Mr McDonald.
“The police behaviour towards Mr McDonald would have been a catalyst to the dog’s behaviour.”
Good behaviour
Bella, the court heard, was never taken into police custody and Ms Ginniver added: “There have been no further incidents in three years.
“The report is positive and says Bella does not need any further restriction, nor is she a danger to the public.
McDonald, of Sluie Drive, Aberdeen, pled guilty to being the owner or in charge of a dog dangerously out of control in that it bit two officers to their injury and permanent disfigurement.
Sheriff Lesley Johnston said Bella’s reporter had carried out a stress test at the dog’s home and at public places to ensure she was not a risk to the public.
She added: “The dog’s behaviour is said to be excellent.
“It is not deemed necessary to order a destruction of the dog or impose a disqualification of dog ownership in the future.”
McDonald was fined £940.
Speaking outside court, the long-distance lorry driver said he was relieved and was glad to have Bella back.
He said: “My wife couldn’t handle her, so she went to stay with a friend. We have got her back now. She’s not a bad dog.”
