A DOG has been given an ‘ASBO’ after being accused of attacking other animals and biting a pet owner.

Fred the 13-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier has been made subject to the 'Instant Restorative Justice Order' — believed to be the first time one has been issued in Lancashire.

It follows complaints about his behaviour in the Ribble Valley village of Hurst Green.

Now, if he is walked off lead or attacks a dog or person, Fred's owner, 69-year-old grandfather John Carrington, could face court action.

Ribble Valley Council and the police said they had obtained the order following a string of complaints.

But Mr Carrington hit back and said Fred was 'absolutely harmless' and that a 'big deal' was being made out of a situation that had been resolved.

The council said the dog had been involved in 'numerous attacks involving other animals' and he also bit another dog owner as she tried to protect her pet.

James Russell, environmental health manager at the council, described the order as an ASBO for dogs at a meeting of the health and housing committee.

He said the council wanted to send out a 'strong message of zero tolerance about aggressive pets'.

Mr Russell said: “The animal was known to us and had a history of attacking other animals.

"People are under a requirement to keep their dogs under control and where there is a tendency for a dog to be aggressive then his owner has a responsibility to keep it under check.

“We will not tolerate it in the community and will take appropriate action if we feel that residents are at risk.”

Coun Stuart Hirst, chairman of the committee welcomed the order.

He said: "The owner of the dog now has a legal responsibility to ensure that it is behaving correctly and if he doesn’t comply with the order he may have to go to court.

“This is the first time we have taken such action and we are determined to adopt a zero tolerance policy.

"It is not only anti-social but very dangerous and not acceptable in any circumstances.”

Lancashire Constabulary said an officer had attended Mr Carrington’s address with a dog warden to issue the order.

A force spokesman said: “We received a complaint regarding animal-related problems at an address in Longridge Road.

“A police officer attended with a dog warden and Mr Carrington was issued with a Restorative Justice Order to ensure that his dog is kept on a lead when in public places.”

But Mr Carrington, of Longridge Road, hit back and said: "A big deal is being made out of something which has been sorted out between myself and the dog warden.

“Fred was involved in a dog fight with one of my friend’s dogs.

"He is absolutely harmless and practically has one foot in the grave. He’s 13 and wouldn't harm a thing.”

Mr Carrington has been ordered to keep Fred on a lead at all times when in public places and not allow him to roam free.

Ian Parkinson, who lives next door to Mr Carrington, said: “The dog has always been perfectly fine with me.

"I have had no experience of it acting in a threatening manner towards me or any member of my family.

“However, I understand that there has been some problems involving other dogs.”