A DOG has been offered a reprieve from being put down after it savagely attacked a landlord.

Mitzy, a rottweiler-doberman cross, was one of two dogs which attacked John Barnes, landlord of the Havelock Inn, Havelock Street, Blackburn, in June last year.

Mr Barnes was bitten as he went to investigate smoke coming from a nearby building late at night on June 20.

As he walked up Stancliffe Street an alsatian-rottweiler cross sank its fangs into his stomach and a rottweiler-doberman cross attacked his thigh.

Owner of the dogs Lee Paul Critchley, 20, of Wellington Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to two charges of keeping a dog out of control which resulted in injury being caused. He was fined £400 with £70 costs and ordered to pay £500 compensation to Mr Barnes.

Blackburn magistrates heard in December that Critchley's alsatian-rottweiler cross, called Max, had already been put down by a vet.

And the court ordered the destruction of Mitzy.

But Mitzy has been given a reprieve by Blackburn magistrates, following an appeal by Critchley, provided the owner obeys certain conditions.

These are that Mitzy is muzzled in public, a run is built at the workplace or it is locked indoors.

Mr Barnes, who suffered bite marks and puncture wounds to his stomach and thigh and was treated at Blackburn Royal Infirmary, said he was unhappy about the judge's decision but said he wanted to move on from the attack.

"I just want to put it all behind me," he said.