A 71 YEAR old man and his 10 year old grandson were left traumatised after their tiny Bichon Frise dog was savaged by two bull terriers as they took it for a Sunday morning walk.

Blackburn magistrates heard one of the attackers clamped hold of the toy breed’s hind quarters while the other atacked its head and body.

And the owner injured his thumb as he fought desperately to release the vice like grip of one of the animals on his family pet which had to be put down as a result of the attack.

Paul Garner, 49, of Wesley Street, Oswaldtwistle, pleaded guilty to two charges of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control. He was ordered to pay £315 compensation and the magistrates made an order for the destruction of the two dogs involved which had already been seized by the police.

Tracey Yates, prosecuting, said James Proctor was with his grandson walking their pet, Buddy, along the Black Path when a large,muscular tan and white bull terrier charged at them and attacked.

“Mr Proctor was concerned for his own safety and that of his 10 year old grandson who was screaming,” said Mrs Yates. “The dog kept its jaws clamped on Buddy and the second dog then attacked his face.”

Mrs Yates said a female witness who went to comfort the young boy saw holes in Buddy’s back and injuries to his face.

Mr Proctor had to carry the dog the mile home and took it to an emergency vet in Manchester who recommended he be put to sleep. The dog had 13 separate wounds on his head, neck and abdomen and the wounds were particularly deep and traumatic.

“That was very upsetting for Mr Proctor who is not allowed to replace Buddy because he now lives in sheltered accommodation,” said Mrs Yates

Mrs Yates said the dog warden said previous incident had been reported involving the defendant’s dogs and he had been advised to keep them on leads.

When he was interviewed Garner admitted that Rebel, the first attacker, had not been on a lead.

Richard Prew, defending, said his client believed the muzzle must have come off Rebel prior to or during the attack.

“He has signed the dogs over and knows they will be destroyed,” said Mr Prew. “He obviously didn’t go out walking that morning with the intention of this happening and has never been in trouble because of dogs previously.”