Ian ClarkeOwners of out of control dogs have been given more than �2,000 in fines and costs after a series of prosecutions.One dog had to be destroyed after being attacked and his owner was hurt, one dog needed 25 stitches and another was seriously injured and its owner was bitten after the incidents in Breckland.Ian Clarke

Owners of out of control dogs have been given more than �2,000 in fines and costs after a series of prosecutions.

One dog had to be destroyed after being attacked and his owner was hurt, one dog needed 25 stitches and another was seriously injured and its owner was bitten after the incidents in Breckland.

Norfolk Dog Control Service - in partnership with Breckland Council - carried out the prosecutions at Swaffham Magistrates' Court under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

Ann Steward, Breckland's executive member for the environment, said: 'The successful prosecution of all three dog owners demonstrates the council will not hesitate to prosecute anyone who does not take a responsible approach to dog ownership. Legislation is in place to protect members of the public and we will not hesitate to use it if we feel there is a justified case.'

Christine Cross, of Richmond Road, Saham Toney, near Watton, was fined �200 and ordered to pay �200 costs and �200 compensation to Rod Berry after a boxer dog belonging to Cross was dangerously out of control on Bellmere Way, Saham Toney.

Mr Berry's four-year-old dog had to be destroyed due to its injuries and Mr Berry also sustained injuries.

Sjaan Fogarty, of Ostrich Lane, Longham, near Dereham, was fined �300, ordered to pay �483 costs and �250 compensation to Susan Barter after three mongrel dogs belonging to Fogarty attacked and bit a collie cross terrier called Freddie.

Freddie suffered puncture wounds and Mrs Barter was bitten on the arm and her young daughter was left

traumatised.

Vanessa Long and Rob Craigan, of Ivy Todd Road, Necton, near Swaffham, were fined �100 and ordered to pay �500 costs after their terrier cross escaped and attacked and bit a lurcher cross that was being walked by Sarah Morton.

The lurcher sustained serious injuries to its neck and throat which required 25 stitches. Mrs Morton was also left in fear of being bitten.

All the defendants admitted the charges of being the owners of dogs dangerously out of control in a public place and the court issued full control orders.