Burnley dog owner kicked woman who tried to stop dog attack

Christine Anne Farmer was in a highly-charged and agitated state, exacerbated by drink, when she kicked Alison Kehoe between the legs in the 5pm trouble in Blackpool. The victim suffered instant pain, a court heard.

Farmer's dog, which inflicted two puncture wounds to the legs of the other animal, owned by a friend of Ms Kehoe, has since run away or been stolen, Burnley magistrates were told.

The 42- year-old defendant has now been banned from owning or keeping a dog for three years after the upsetting incident on February 14th.

Miss Parveen Akhtar, prosecuting, said Ms Kehoe was leaving the Royal Bank of Scotland with colleagues and a manager when a woman approached, ranting and raving and shouting: "I know what you do with the money."

A friend of hers, who worked nearby, had his terrier with him, on a lead and Ms Kehoe shouted to him to pick his pet up. The defendant's dog started biting the terrier, despite attempts to stop it. The owner was left distressed and shaken by the incident.

Mr Paul Robinson, defending, said Farmer was in a highly charged and agitated state, exacerbated by the use of alcohol. The victim sought to intervene to separate the dogs and was assaulted.

The solicitor continued: "It's quite clear from the pre-sentence report she does have some issues with her emotions, with controlling her anger, with acting impulsively. These underlying emotions are exacerbated by the use of alcohol. She has engaged with Inspire ( the alcohol treatment service) and has sought to address her alcohol use."

Mr Robinson added: "Thankfully, there doesn't appear to have been any repeat of this behaviour. There is no application for an order on the dog. It's gone. It's run away or been stolen. She knows not. She no longer has control of the dog."

Farmer, of Colne Road, Burnley, admitted assault by beating and being the owner of a dog which was dangerously out of control on Abingdon Street, Blackpool.

She was given a 12-month community order, with a six-month alcohol treatment requirement and a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement. The defendant was fined £10 and must pay £200 compensation.