A DANGEROUSLY out of control bulldog escaped from a garden before attacking a woman and leaving her dog in need of urgent treatment.

April Crowe, 31, was looking after her brother’s dog, Chico, at her home in Clacton, in October last year.

While she was out, Chico, and her two dogs Brandy and Diesel, managed to escape from her garden into an adjoining neighbour’s property.

Colchester Magistrates’ Court heard how the dogs were let out on to the street.

Amercian bulldog Chico attacked a passing walker’s dog, named Fudge, by grabbing him with its mouth.

In the ensuing fracas, Fudge’s owner suffered a bite wound to her finger, which required treatment at the scene.

Fudge suffered six to eight puncture wounds, one of which tore through a muscle and required veterinary care.

Crowe, of Elm Grove, Clacton, admitting being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury.

The prosecution argued the dog should be put down, but Raph Pigott, mitigating, said Chico could be spared if contingencies were put in place.

He said: “The dog we’re talking about today is her brother’s dog, who lives in Merseyside.

“She was looking after the dog.

“The dogs were in her garden, she was out at the time and she recently had fences repaired to ensure the dogs would be secured.

“Unfortunately one of the fence panels at the bottom of the garden, in fact, was not sound.

“The dogs managed to break through.”

Mr Pigott added: “She is not an irresponsible dog owner, the dogs were all well looked after.

“She deeply regrets this incident.”

Magistrates imposed £265 of fines and court costs, and ordered Crowe to pay £213 in compensation to the dog walker for her vet bill and distress caused.

They spared Chico, putting in place a contingency destruction order requiring him to not be left unsupervised outside at any time.

He must also be kept on a lead and muzzled while out for a walk at all times.