A POLICE officer who investigated an XL Bully attack in East Tilbury has reminded dog owners of the potential for harmful consequences when dangerous dogs are not kept under proper control.

PC Terry Smith, of Thurrock Neighbourhood Policing Team, was speaking after Danny Dodge, 27, was sentenced for owning a dangerously out of control dog.

The dog had escaped from Dodge's home in Trent and this had devastating consequences, Basildon Crown Court heard.

The victim was walking her dog nearby when Dodge's XL Bully suddenly appeared and began attacking her pet. When she tried to lift it out of the way, the XL Bully pulled her dog out of its harness and continued attacking.

The victim sustained serious injuries to both hands as she tried to protect it.

PC Smith said: "This case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences when dangerous dogs are not kept under proper control.

"The victim not only suffered serious, life-changing injuries but also lost a much-loved family pet.

"The law places strict conditions on owners of banned breeds to protect the public and prevent incidents like this."

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Dodge, who had the correct exemption certificates for his pet, had previously admitted being the owner of a dangerously out of control dog which injured another person while out of control and of having in his possession, or custody, a dog to which section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 applies.

Recorder Peter Clark imposed a 12-month community order and told Dodge he must carry out 120 hours of unpaid work and to pay £1,900 compensation to the victim.

He said he recognised that while there had 'momentarily' been 'a lapse of attention', there had been a 'lack of safety measures where an incident could be foreseen'.

He added Dodge had expressed genuine remorse and there had been no previous complaints about the dog.

Dodge, who claimed his dog had escaped accidentally, agreed to have it euthanised on the day of the attack. The victim's dog also had to be euthanised three days after the attack because of the severity of its injuries.