A DOG'S mouth had to be prised apart after it bit another dog's shoulder while walking in Kingstone, a court heard.

James Gullis, 66, pleaded guilty to being an owner in charge of a dog dangerously out of control – no injury caused.

Hereford Magistrates Court heard Gullis of Lowfield Meadow, Kingstone, was walking his Staffordshire terrier called Diesel and his other dog on February 29 at around 9.30am.

Owen Beale, prosecuting, said a woman was walking her four-year-old Labrador, which is a meek rescue dog, at the same time when Diesel, who was not on a lead, attacked her dog without warning.

She tried to free her dog when a man, who was walking with Gullis, rushed over and managed to prise open the mouth of the Staffie.

Gullis was then called over to put Diesel on a lead.

The Labrador was taken to the vets, which resulted in a £207 bill.

The court heard Diesel sometimes took a dislike to other dogs and Gullis now walks him early in the morning, on a lead and with a muzzle.

Mr Beale said: "Because of the prior incident this is a case where I would ask for a contingent destruction order because this dog has been dangerous in the past to other animals."

The order comes with conditions and if any of these are broken then the dog could be destroyed.

Chris Read, defending, said Gullis had taken on Diesel from his son who could no longer care for the dog.

He added that Gullis had taken positive action.

Gullis was fined £50 and ordered to pay the vet bill. He was ordered to pay £135 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.

A contingent destruction order was made with the condition that Diesel must be muzzled at all times in a public place and be kept on a lead.