A FAMILY pet could be destroyed after it attacked a postman.

Mother-of-two Hayley Sandiford, of Worcester Road, has been fighting to keep American bulldog Winston, despite him running up to the delivery man, snatching a bundle of letters out of his hand and trying to bite him.

Royal Mail has suspended deliveries to Miss Sandiford and her neighbours in both Worcester Road and Surrey Road.

The 29-year-old was sentenced to a six-month community order when she appeared before Blackburn Magistrates and was told the dog would be destroyed if she did not comply with conditions.

They are that Winston must be accompanied, muzzled, kept on harness, and on two leads, no shorter than 6ft long, when in public. Miss Sandiford’s premises must be securely fenced and adequately locked to prevent the animal from escaping and third party insurance for Winston must be purchased within two months.

Miss Sandiford must also pay a victim surcharge of £60 and Crown Prosecution Service costs of £85.

Speaking after the hearing, she said: “I am glad in a way that it is all over now, but there is a risk that Winston might get put to sleep.

“These conditions are what I have been doing anyway, so there is no reason why the dog should get out down.

“Winston is great, he is as lively as ever. He is a brilliant pet.”

Twin Valley Homes, which owns Miss Sandiford’s house, said they were still looking to have an injunction taken out against her, forcing her to give Winston up.

Martin Jackson, the housing association’s anti-social behaviour manager, said: “We’ve taken note of the outcome of the criminal case involving Miss Sandiford but it would be inappropriate to comment further until we’ve had the result of the civil case.”

A Royal Mail spokesman said: "We will reinstate deliveries as soon as we feel comfortable as far as our colleagues health and safety is concerned.”