A DOG that bit a cyclist in March will be destroyed if its owner fails to keep the animal under proper control, magistrates warned this week. Paul Smith must ensure that in future, his dog Jimmy is kept in his yard in Upwell Road, and is allowed out only

A DOG that bit a cyclist in March will be destroyed if its owner fails to keep the animal under proper control, magistrates warned this week.

Paul Smith must ensure that in future, his dog Jimmy is kept in his yard in Upwell Road, and is allowed out only when muzzled and on a lead.

Fifty-year-old Smith, of Upwell Road, admitted being the owner of a dog that was dangerously out of control on October 13 last year, when the animal bit Belinda Bartley.

The cyclist was bitten on the right thigh as she cycled along Upwell Road, said Nicola Ebbs, prosecuting.

The injury was very painful and bleeding, but Ms Bartley was too scared stop immediately.

She did come to a halt in a layby further up the road, but no one came to her aid after 10 minutes of waiting, so she continued her journey.

She was left with a wound consisting of four teeth marks and bruising.

Roger Glazebrook, mitigating, told Fenland magistrates that Smith's three dogs were kept for security, and he was sorry one dog got out and injured the cyclist.

His yard had a 6ft fence and a high gate, and Smith was not sure how the dog got out on this occasion.

He was fined £100 and must pay £200 compensation to Belinda Bartley and £35 costs.