Woman who saw her dog attacked by XL Bully speaks out

Manchester United academy product Wayne Heseltine, who played for the Bantams between 1992 and 1994, appeared in Bradford Magistrates' Court last month.

Heseltine, of Sutton Drive in Cullingworth, admitted to being the owner of a dog, namely two-year-old Bruno, a beige XL American Bully, which was dangerously out of control causing injury.

The dog attacked Labrador Daisy, on Cullingworth Road/Sutton Drive on July 24 earlier this year.

Owners Mia Mullins and partner Jack Fisher were walking Daisy at the time.

"The dog was so powerful. It leapt across and had Daisy by the neck," she told the Telegraph & Argus.

"I usually walk her on my own, so I was lucky that Jack was with me at the time.

"She is so different now, especially around other dogs.

"I have had no therapy to get over what happened, only £250 in compensation which covered the vet bills."

Daisy has not been the same since the attack (Image: UGC)Heseltine, who was not at the house at the time, said the dog escaped through a hole in the fence behind the bin store. 

His son came out of the house and, with Jack, helped pull the two dogs apart. The incident lasted for several minutes.

Daisy was taken to the vets for cuts on her neck, while Jack sustained injuries to his hand.

"I never received as much as an apology," Mia added.

At the hearing, the magistrates recognised Heseltine had taken all the reasonable steps that a good owner would have taken.

An order was issued meaning the dog must have a muzzle and lead on when in public.

He received a fine of £960, and had to pay £1,000 in compensation, £384 surcharge and £85 in court costs.

Daisy was taken to the vets for cuts on her neck (Image: UGC)Mia questioned whether precautions such as muzzle and tether should have already been in place. 

She added that she hoped the physical injury to Jack, which she said could have been much worse, had brought about action that would mean so no one else is affected in future.