A STAFFORDSHIRE bull terrier named Hooch caused havoc in a suburb for months before nearly killing another dog, a court heard yesterday.

Vets had to operate to save the life of three-year-old Barney, another Staffordshire, who was in danger of bleeding to death from his wounds, RSPCA solicitor Stuart Berry told Harrogate magistrates.

The incident, in May, which landed Barney's owner, Tracey Hull, with a £450 vet's bill, had not been the first involving Hooch and her dog.

Last December, she had to pay £80 for treatment to Barney after he had been attacked in her garden.

Hooch's owner, Michael McDermid, who lives three doors from Miss Hull, in Avenue Close, Starbeck, near Harrogate, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering by a failure to exercise control and supervision.

Mr Berry said dog wardens had received eight complaints about Hooch and a black Labrador, also believed to be owned by 26-year-old McDermid.

The May attack happened while Miss Hull was walking Barney on his lead. Barney was left bleeding copiously and a vet concluded he had been close to death before surgery.

Mr Berry suggested the court should consider a ban on McDermid keeping animals.

Asking for probation reports, court chairman Michael Jefferies said all sentencing options would be considered. The charge carries a maximum penalty of six months in prison. The case was adjourned until January 14