A MAN who accidentally stood on his dog’s leg causing it to bite a passer-by has been ordered to keep his pet muzzled when in public.

Alan Mitchell admitted being the owner of a dog which caused injury when it was dangerously out of control in public when he appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court.

Prosecutor Andrea Milsom said Mitchell and his four and a half-year-old Weimaraner, Vince, were walking along Merrington Road in Ferryhill at 7.35am on February 28.

Two women were coming in the opposite direction, and as they passed the dog bit one woman on the arm, the court heard.

Mrs Milsom said the woman did not realise she had been bitten until she had walked a little further and saw blood coming from two puncture wounds.

Liam Brison, in mitigation, said Vince was a good natured dog and Mitchell took full responsibility for causing him to bite.

He said as the women passed Mitchell stumbled and stood on Vince’s leg causing him to be spooked.

Mr Brison said Vince was a large, handsome dog, who is often approached by members of the public due to being an unusual breed.

The solicitor said he had never bitten before, is not a dangerous animal and was always happy with people, both strangers and friends.

Magistrates ordered Mitchell, 62, of Faraday Street in Ferryhill, to pay £50 compensation to the woman and made an order that Vince must be kept on a lead and muzzle whenever he is out in public.