A FAMILY’s pet poodle had to be put down after it suffered serious neck injuries due to a savage and unprovoked attack by another dog, a court heard.

The 12-year-old poodle, called Pepe, was bitten in the throat and then dragged by a Staffordshire dog during the frenzied attack.

The dogs were forced apart but Pepe’s injuries were so severe that the poodle had to be put down.

Kathleen Kirby, 61, of Bamburgh Crescent, in Newton Aycliffe, pleaded guilty to being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control.

Magistrates in Newton Aycliffe fined her £110 and ordered her to pay £85 costs, £30 vet’s fees and a £20 victim surcharge.

She also has to keep the Staffordshire muzzled and on a lead in public and the animal must be neutered.

The court heard Pepe was attacked along Stag Lane, Newton Aycliffe, at 4pm, on November 5, last year with his owner James Cairns.

Prosecutor Jon Garside said: “As they approached Bamburgh Crescent a Staffordshire dog, called Jethro, appeared.

“It grabbed the poodle by the neck and ran off. Mr Cairns had hold of the poodle’s lead and was pulled to the ground.

“The dog was shaking Pepe and Mr Cairns tried to free his pet then a member from Kirby’s family ran up and she managed to separate them.”

He said the Kirby family seemed to sorry about the attack and they offered to take Mr Cairns and his dog to the vets.

Kirby offered to have the Staffordshire put down but Mr Cairns said this was not necessary.

Clive Booth, defending, said: “It was an accident and Kirby has genuine remorse.

“Kirby’s daughter opened the gate and Jethro ran out. The daughter ran after Jethro but unfortunately the dog attacked the poodle.”