The owner of a “powerful” dog has appeared in court after it bit a widow’s hand and savaged her beloved French spaniel.

Cordelia Barton’s dog - a Staffordshire bull terrier and American bully cross called Zeus - repeatedly shook the smaller dog, called Cosmos, as it bit its head, said Kathryn Walters, prosecuting.

The attacking dog would not let go despite the efforts of the spaniel’s owner and bystanders.

Cosmos  needed surgery and 40 stitches inserting into the wound on its head. The widow had to have an emergency tetanus injection and other medical treatment and suffered a swollen right leg as well as the bite to her hand.

The widow told York Magistrates' Court she feared her beloved Cosmos would die on the anniversary of her husband’s death - the anniversary occurred about the time of the attack.

Barton, 56, of Church Lane, Wheldrake, pleaded guilty to having a dog when it was dangerously out of control and injured a person. She cried during much of the hearing.

“He is clearly a powerful dog and I am sure when he bites it is going to hurt,” said district judge Adrian Lower.

Zeus was made subject to a three-year contingent destruction order. During the period of the order, he must always be on a fixed lead no more than two metres long, and must wear a basket muzzle and flat collar whenever he is in public. He must also be under the control of an adult and cannot be taken for walks by a child or children. If any of the conditions are broken, a court can order the dog to be put down.

A dog wearing a basket muzzle similar to the kind Zeus must always wear in public A dog wearing a basket muzzle similar to the kind Zeus must always wear in public (Image: NQ)

Police confiscated Zeus following the incident and it has been kept in kennels at a cost to the taxpayer of £3,652 since then.

Barton was given a three-year conditional discharge and ordered to pay £245 compensation to the widow.

Her solicitor Kevin Blount said both owners had been taking their dogs for walks in Wheldrake on April 11, 2024. Barton tripped and fell and momentarily lost control of Zeus’ lead. The dog had then attacked Cosmos.

“There is genuine remorse,” he said. The incident could not have been foreseen.

Barton and her husband had significant debts which they were trying to pay off. She had mental health difficulties which had kept her off work, but she was earning money at a local supermarket.

In a personal statement, the widow said she had nightmares as a result of Zeus’ attack and now feels nervous when out walking her dog.

Cosmos is now very scared of large dogs.

The widow's pet insurance paid for the vet’s treatment but her insurance premium increased substantially when it was renewed after the incident.