A WOMAN has been told she must control her dog and pay costs of more than £1,000 after it savaged another dog to death.

Sally-Anne Carter, 48, of Glebe Road, Kelvedon, appeared at Colchester Magistrates Court on Thursday charged with owning of a dog said to be dangerous and not kept under control.

On September 25, in Constance Close, Witham, Carter’s 11-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier Jared attacked a Welsh terrier belonging to Maureen King.

Tope Ojikutu, prosecuting on behalf of Braintree Council, said: “Mrs King was walking her dog, called Welsh, on the public road when she saw a large black dog running towards her.

“She stood in front of the dog but the larger dog managed to grab the other dog by the throat. She tried to pull him away.

“She started to scream and became distressed and said she did not know what happened after that.”

Nearby residents of Constance Close rushed to help and the dogs were eventually separated, however Welsh had a large wound and damaged scar tissue.

Paramedics also had to be called to treat Mrs King for shock.

Ms Ojikutu said that Welsh was treated by an emergency vet, however had to be put to sleep to "prevent further suffering".

Laura Austin, mitigating, said: “The dog was 11-years-old and there had never been any problems with animals or humans before.

“The smaller dog growled at the staffy which resulted in a fight. The smaller dog came off a lot worse off.

“The owner has cooperated and the dog has not left the house without a lead since.”

Passing sentence, chair of the bench Don Wicks, said magistrates were prepared to pass a community order and would not consider the possible destruction of the dog.

The community order states, whilst outside Carter’s dog must be kept on a non-retractable lead of 1.2meters or less, wear a muzzle, must not be left with someone under the age of 18 and must be kept under control at all times.

The dog must also be neutered within 28 days.

Carter was also order to pay costs of £1,081.70.