NEIGHBOURS of man savaged by two of his American Bulldogs say he was regularly seen in the village, walking up to seven dogs at a time.

And it has emerged that the victim, Stephen Potts, was prosecuted earlier this year for the nuisance caused by barking dogs.

When The Northern Echo visited his home in Low Pittington, near Durham City, there were several dogs in a series of kennels close by.

One of the neighbours, who did not wish to be named, said: “We have been constantly complaining about the dogs and have taken it up with the parish council.

“There are up to 16 of them at times. He walks up to eight or nine at a time. There is no way he can control them all.

“We have complained numerous occasions about the smell and the noise of the dogs. We just don’t get any sleep at night because of the noise.”

A spokesman for Durham County Council confirmed Mr Potts appeared at Consett Magistrates’ Court on February 11, because he was in breach of a Noise Abatement Notice.

A council officer witnessed the breach and the judge found in the council’s favour.

He was given a 12-month conditional discharge, he made a £300 contribution to prosecution costs and paid a £15 Victim Surcharge.

The breach in question was on April 12, 2013 – the noise of dogs barking.

Mr Potts, who is believed to be a breeder, has an advertisement on an online site for pets for sale.

One advert, placed a month ago, reads: “American Bulldog Pups for sale born 23/05/2014, there are 2 females left. Performance type bulldogs from Johnson/Hines lines.

“I have 18 bulldogs and the parents are two off my best. Both of the parents are ABR registered.”

A post about the incident on the Durham Police Facebook page has attracted dozens of comments, including one that said: “The owner of the dogs is an excellent dog owner/breeder.

"It was fireworks that were being set off that triggered this. The dogs are lovely dogs and lovely-natured. Please don’t judge unless you know the owner (Stephen) personally."