A DOG that bit a cyclist in March escaped a death sentence this week – but its owner has been warned that a breach of a control order could lead to its destruction at a later date. Ian Smith, 28, of Mill Hill Farm, Mill Hill Lane, March, admitted that his

A DOG that bit a cyclist in March escaped a death sentence this week - but its owner has been warned that a breach of a control order could lead to its destruction at a later date.

Ian Smith, 28, of Mill Hill Farm, Mill Hill Lane, March, admitted that his Alsatian bitch called Scruff was dangerously out of control when she bit Stuart Burgess on June 18.

Smith was fined £100 by Fenland magistrates, and ordered to pay £120 compensation to Mr Burgess, £100 costs and £15 surcharge.

The control order decreed that Smith must enclose his garden; put the dog on a long lead when unattended in the farmyard or garden; and put the dog on a short lead with an adult supervisor when in a public place.