A WOMAN has been ordered to keep her dog under control after it bit a walker’s ankle.

Carol Mellor, of Low Westwood Farm in Golcar, appeared before Huddersfield magistrates yesterday.

The 48-year-old had pleaded guilty to allowing her pet Alsatian, named Sally, to be dangerously out of control in a public place.

The incident took place on the footpath close to the farm on June 29.

Linda Fowler, prosecuting, said that Paul Wheatley had been walking along the lane at 6pm when he noticed a dog approaching him.

She said: “It did not appear aggressive, but then it turned and snapped at his left ankle.

“It had a hold for a good second before a man from a car got out and shouted ‘get off’.

“The dog then trotted off in the same direction.”

Mrs Fowler said Mr Wheatley spoke to the man who told him that the dog belonged to Mellor, who was out in the fields at the time.

He went to hospital where he was given medication for the pain as well as a tetanus injection.

Mr Wheatley later contacted police about the incident.

When interviewed, Mrs Fowler said that the dog roamed around the farm with her other pets.

She said that the footpath, which cuts through the farm, was rarely used by the public, however other users did know Sally.

Marnat Ali, for Mellor, said the dog had been her pet for five years after it was rescued by the RSPCA due to neglect.

He said: “She’s a very inquisitive and friendly dog who will run up to individuals on the farm and expect to be stroked.

“She sees everybody as a friend and will approach them to receive a stroke.”

Mr Ali added that the pet was usually kept in a pen, but was always supervised by a family member if let out.

He said the complainant had kicked out at the dog to put some distance between them and she acted through fear and nipped him.

Mr Ali added: “It’s a lovely dog – this is completely out of character for her.”

Magistrates issued Mellor with a control order.

This means that the dog has to wear a muzzle outside and remain on a lead outside the farm premises.

She was also ordered to pay £500 compensation to Mr Wheatley for his injury and £85 court costs.