A DUNTOCHER man’s pet Staffordshire bull terrier bit a woman and another dog outside a Clydebank supermarket.

David Simpson was the subject of a dog control notice, granted in 2017, stating that his pet, Hunter, must be securely muzzled when being walked on a lead.

But he failed to muzzle his pet when walking it outside the Asda supermarket in Britannia Way on March 18 - and it attacked and bit the woman and a dog named Rocco.

Simpson, 52, of Morrison Street, appeared at Dumbarton Sheriff Court on Friday for sentencing after pleading guilty to a breach of the 2017 notice.

Simpson originally faced a more serious accusation of being the owner of a dog which was dangerously out of control in a public place, but his plea of not guilty to that charge was accepted by the Crown.

Simpson’s lawyer told the court her client was willing to accept the terms of a new dog control notice drawn up by Sheriff Maxwell Hendry.

Simpson’s solicitor said: “[The new notice] ensures that Hunter can be managed. Mr Simpson accepts that he would be in a difficult position if any other incidents were to come before the court.”

Sheriff Hendry said his sentencing powers for a breach of a dog control notice were limited – but pointed out that he could still disqualify Simpson from owning an animal, and order the destruction of the dog.

Simpson’s solicitor said an expert report stated that Hunter was not a dangerous dog, and that therefore the test for the animal’s destruction was not met.

She added: “The expert report says Mr Simpson is a responsible owner. She also found that Mr Simpson was able to control Hunter and call him back.

“Instruction in new walking techniques has had positive results.

“I would submit therefore that disqualification is not appropriate in this case.”

Sheriff Hendry told Simpson: “If you have been convicted of the first charge, the outcome for everyone, including Hunter, might have been radically different.

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“I’m not going to order Hunter’s destruction, or disqualify you from keeping animals.

“But if there were to be any repetition, I think the situation would be infinitely more serious.”

Simpson was fined £300; the original dog control notice was revoked, and the new one imposed in its place.

There have been a number of dog attacks in the area recently, including a Shih Tzu which was mauled in Duntocher in June.