A Tain woman has been barred from owning dogs after admitting breaching a “dog asbo”.
Irene Williamson, 52, of 39 Fountain Road in the Easter Ross town admitted two instances of allowing two of her dogs to run free in public places in October last year.
This was despite having placed under a dog control notice in 2012 after a string of offences committed by her pets.
It is believed to be the first time that a breach of a dog control notice has resulted in a conviction in court in the Highlands
Tain Sheriff Court heard yesterday that a number of residents and tourists had reported being chased by the dogs to the police, while the dogs had also been accused of attacking a number of animals in the area, including sheep and a pony.
The two incidents which were put before Sheriff Jamie Gilchrist yesterday involved one of Williamson’s dogs, named Tyson, deemed to have been out of control in Victoria Road, Tain on October 3, 2013.
The court heard that the dog had been sitting in the back of a pick-up truck after being taken for a walk in Alness.
But the dog jumped out when the truck slowed in traffic in town – and had then ran along the street out of control.
Fiscal depute Karen Smith said: “Ms Williamson’s dog began to bark at another dog which was being taken for a walk.
“Ms Williamson came after it and got hold of Tyson and managed to restrain it.”
Yesterday was Tyson’s first involvement with the court system – but the dog involved in the second incident – Bruno, has previous.
The cross Doberman Staffordshire terrier had been found guilty of attacking other dogs in 2012.
Yesterday the court heard that Bruno had escaped a specially constructed pen in Williamson’s garden on October 9 last year and had got into a neighbour’s garden
Williamson’s defence agent Rory Gowans told the court that steps had been taken to control the dogs, including micro-chipping them.
He added: “The Williamsons have done what they can to control the dogs.
“I would suggest that adding further conditions to the dog control notice such as muzzling in public places would be an appropriate disposal.”
As well as disqualifying Williamson from owning dogs, Sheriff Gilchrist fined her £180 for the two offences.
He said: “Because of your background this is a very serious matter indeed.”