A MUM whose son was mauled by a dog has applauded magistrates for ordering that the animal be destroyed.

But the canine which left eight-year victim Paul Nichol needing 11 stitches could yet win a stay-of-excecution as its owner intends to appeal against the ruling.

As we revealed in August, Paul. of Glenluce Crescent, Shadsworth, Blackburn, suffered cuts to his chin and forehead after he was bitten by a labrador and Staffordshire bull terrier cross named Lightning.

The hound sank its teeth into the youngster at a neighbour's house near his grandma's home in Fielding Crescent, Blackburn.

Police confirmed how Paul had been stroking the puppies when the dog "went at him" and that owner Carole Theakston had agreed to put Lightning down within a month.

But Ms Theakston, who has three daughters, changed her mind stating that while she "felt very bad" about what had happened, she believed her three-year-old dog did not pose a danger generally.

However, Blackburn magistrates took a different view and ordered that Lightning be put down after finding the owner guilty of failing to keep her under control.

Welcoming the bench's decision, Paul's mum, Florence Ward said the attack had left her son subject to nasty nicknames and added to his existing behavioural problems.

She added: "Since he was bitten his behaviour has got worse.

"He had behavioural problems anyway I think he has a slight autism.

"He has been expelled from Shadsworth Junior School and he is now at the Sunnyhurst pupil referral unit in Darwen.

"Other children said he looked like an ogre or called him dog face'.

"It had a big impact on him.

"He told me before the case that all he wanted was justice and I am pleased with the outcome."

But the Crown Prosecution Service today confirmed that Ms Theakston intends to appeal the magistrates' verdict A spokesman said: "Blackburn magistrates sentenced the dog to be destroyed.

"She was found guilty of having a dangerous dog and failing to keep it under control.

"She has said that she intends to appeal against the sentence.

"She has 28 days to lodge an appeal with the Crown Court."