A DOG control order has been slapped on a York couple whose bull terrier attacked another dog in a park.

George Lightfoot, 52, and Carol Lightfoot, 44, have been given the order after their Staffordshire bull terrier Bailey attacked a golden retriever-poodle cross.

The injured dog was left with it with wounds to its neck, shoulder and ears.

On Wednesday, January 18, York Magistrates’ Court heard that in August last year, George Lightfoot was exercising three Staffordshire bull terriers off their leads in Viking Road park, including Bailey.

As soon as a white golden retriever-poodle crossbreed bitch entered the park with a dog walker, Bailey attacked it.

Lightfoot tried and failed to stop the attack before driving his three dogs away, without talking to the dog walker or checking on the attacked dog.

When interviewed by neighbourhood enforcement officers, Lightfoot confirmed Bailey was involved in the incident but claimed that the other dog had provoked the attack.

Lightfoot was advised to keep Bailey on a lead and muzzled when in public and to neuter the dog.

This was to reduce try and reduce the dog’s aggressive behaviour and it’s something the couple have since done.

At the hearing on Wednesday the court has said the Lightfoots, of Celtic Close, must adhere to a control order to keep the dog under proper control at all times.

The court heard they must also keep it on on a lead and muzzled at all times in public places.

After the hearing Cllr David Carr, leader of City of York Council with responsibility for housing and safer neighbourhoods, said: “Dog ownership comes with responsibility concerning their training and control and advice on both can be had from the RSPCA or local vets.

“This unprovoked attack, like other dog-on-dog attacks, has been dealt with to prevent future incidents and protect the community.”