A DOG owner whose pet Labrador bit a young girl was told his pet would be destroyed if it attacks again. David Pope, 58, of Padney Road, Wicken, admitted that his black Labrador, Mikey, was not under proper control when it bit a female cyclist on the thig

A DOG owner whose pet Labrador bit a young girl was told his pet would be destroyed if it attacks again.

David Pope, 58, of Padney Road, Wicken, admitted that his black Labrador, Mikey, was not under proper control when it bit a female cyclist on the thigh on a cycle route between Wicken and Ely on July 6.

Prosecutor Emma Dmitriev explained that the girl, who was not named in court, has fully recovered physically, but has been left shaken up by the incident. Miss Dmitriev also told Ely Magistrates' Court on Thursday that she was concerned that the dog was a danger to the public. She said she felt obligated to do everything possible to ensure that no one else came to any harm.

Pope, who defended himself in court, said: "It's just one of those things. I'd let Mikey run free and, all of a sudden, I heard screams, so ran around the corner to call the dog off the girl."

An order was made stating that if the dog was not kept under proper control it would be destroyed. Chairman of the magistrates, Bryant Watson, said: "If you are a pet lover and don't want your dog to be destroyed, I suggest that you abide by this order."

No request for compensation or costs was made.