A MAN whose Staffordshire bull terrier savaged a neighbour's pet and left it for dead was banned from keeping dogs for 15 years.

Harrogate magistrates yesterday heard how Hooch, the Staffordshire bull terrier owned by Michael McDermid, caused havoc in Starbeck, near Harrogate, for months before almost killing Barney, a three-year-old dog of the same breed in a fierce attack to his groin and thigh.

RSPCA prosecutor Stuart Berry said vets had to operate to save Barney who was in danger of bleeding to death after the attack last May, which was the third carried out on him by Hooch.

Mr Berry said the final incident had landed Barney's owner Tracey Hull with a vet's bill for more than £450, only months after she had had to pay £80 for treatment after another attack.

McDermid, 26, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a dog by a failure to exercise control and supervision over his own animal.

Mr Berry said Harrogate council's dog wardens had received eight complaints about Hooch, and a black labrador called Sacha, also believed to be owned by McDermid.

Mr Berry told the court the RSPCA did not accept McDermid's contention that Hooch was now dead. The society wanted McDermid to be banned from keeping dogs.

In mitigation, David Camidge said McDermid, who has convictions for drugs and driving offences, and is subject to a community rehabilitation order, had difficulties in dealing with even basic tasks.

Court chairman Gordon Charlton imposed the 15-year ban on McDermid keeping dogs and fined him £250. He also ordered him to pay £400 costs and £200 compensation.