TWO Staffordshire bull terriers owned by a high-profile figure attacked other dogs in public, and one bitten dog only survived because of her thick collar.

Christine Shade, of Dunedin Gardens, Ferndown – who runs the White Heather public house in Ferndown and is president of Ferndown Chamber of Commerce – appeared before Bournemouth magistrates court after two dangerous dog complaints were lodged against her dogs, Angus and Hamish.

Michael Tomlinson, prosecuting for East Dorset District Council, said Mrs Shade’s dogs bit Miss Addison’s springer spaniel, Misty, on February 22, 2008, and bit and scratched Philip Start, who was walking them.

Two months later on April 24 2008, Angus and Hamish attacked David Ford’s lurcher called Kahlua.

Magistrates were shown Kahlua’s bitten collar and photographs of both dogs’ injuries, and maps of Ferndown Common and Ferndown Forest.

Vet Chris Dixon’s statement, read aloud, stated: “I have no doubt the thick leather collar she was wearing saved her life.”

Council animal welfare officer Michelle Jones’ statement was that Angus and Hamish were “unpredictable” around less submissive dogs.

Jonathan Morrissey, defending, said Mrs Shade was apologetic and Philip Start was “no longer in the picture”.

He said Mrs Shade had invested in the services of a behaviour psychologist, agreed to the proposed control order, and had bought muzzles.

Magistrates chairman, Martin Rabbets, said: “The attacks were unprovoked and unpredictable. We have seen evidence of bite marks.”

The order states the dogs must wear a muzzle in public, be walked on a short lead and only allowed off the lead where there are no other people or animals nearby.

They must be walked by Mrs Shade or a reasonable adult, and kept under proper control at all times.

Mrs Shade was also ordered to pay £300 towards the council’s prosecution costs.