A DOG owner has appeared in court after her pitbull-cross dog savaged a Jack Russell while under a control order.

Kathryn Dillon, of Swettenham Street, Macclesfield, was left the animal by an ex partner, and it came with an order to keep the animal on a lead and muzzle in public.

On the morning of November 11, the dog named Sandy escaped from Dillon’s garden over a 6ft fence into an open field.

Sandy ran towards a Jack Russell named Tilly being walked by its owner and bit into her neck, Macclesfield Magistrates heard.

Dillon, 36, ran after the animal and Tilly’s owner screamed at her to get the dog off, but it would not let go.

When the dog was pulled off, there was blood coming from Tilly’s neck and she was taken to the vet for stitches costing £120, the court heard.

The pitbull-cross was seized and died in police kennels from a heart attack, the court heard.

Prosecutors asked magistrates to ban Dillon from keeping dogs but they stopped short of doing so.

Prosecuting, Debbie Byrne said: “The owner of the Jack Russell saw the dog running towards Tilly, and before she knew it, it went straight for her neck for what seemed like ages. Tilly was yelping and bleeding heavily.

“The female said ‘he has done this before’ and ‘I should have the dog on a lead’.

“Tilly’s owner was extremely distressed and had to pay a lot of money to the vet.”

Police knew the dog was subject to an order and arrested Dillon. Dillon pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a dog control order.

Defending Lianne Press said: “The dog has died, we don’t know why but it’s sad for everyone involved.

“Luckily the injured dog has recovered.

“She was trying to get her dog off Tilly so didn’t try to evade her responsibility.

“It jumped over the fence and she had no contingency plan. She’s from a dog loving family and wants to keep dogs.”

Dillon was fined £120 and told to pay £85 costs, £20 victim surcharge and £120 for the vets bills.

Chairman of the bench Tony Bostock said: “It’s a very unfortunate set of circumstances which cause you to arrive at court and the loss of your dog.

“We’re not going down the road of disqualifying you. I think you understand your obligations as a dog owner.

“Make sure in future any dog is kept under proper control.”