The owner of a dog killed by a Pit Bull in Amersham has spoken of her “shock and alarm” after the pet’s owner appeared in court.

On January 18 this year, Karen McKinnon’s Shetland Sheep Dog Alb-E was killed by a Pit Bull following an attack on London Road, close to the Jaguar garage.

Mrs McKinnon also suffered injuries in the attack.

The owner, David Potter, 59, was allowed to keep the Pit Bull following an appearance at Wycombe Magistrates’ Court on September 2.

The court ruled that the Pit Bull would have to be muzzled and kept on a lead at all times in public.

Mrs McKinnon said: “I love my pup Alb-E – he was bought for me by my (now deceased) dad Victor.

“Alb-E was a very significant part of our family. My last superb memory of him (on the day) was zigzag running in the field, along the River Misbourne, just because he was happy and wanted to.

“We have Penny (who survived the attack but is significantly traumatised) and now Kiki (Alb-E’s half-sister) titchy-tiny but full of life.

“RIP Alb-E, I miss you so very much, every day, he was a delight, fun loving, calm, quiet, loving, playful, loyal, beautiful… to quote our boys ‘Alb-E - the best Sheltie (of nine) we have ever had’.”

Following the death, the Amersham community rallied behind Mrs McKinnon, raising more than £400 to support her.

In a message posted on social media, Mrs McKinnon thanked the community for the “overwhelming, kind and thoughtful support”.

She said: “I have received overwhelming, kind and thoughtful support from so many people; friends, acquaintances and strangers like, who have been touched by the traumatising and heartbreaking death of our wonderful sheltie pup, Alb-E and the injuries to myself.

“You have all been inspiring and have helped me tremendously.

“Thank you for your compassion, cards, flowers, offers of walking support, crowd funding and so much more, I feel humbled.”

“I have used the funding toward a sheltie companion for Penny, our other pup (then 10 months). I figured that this would be the best therapy and healing for me, for her and my family.

“We have our new pup now – she is Alb-E’s half-sister, which is a wonderful connection. She and Penny are best buddies already; we are seeing Penny recovering from the trauma.

“The two pups and I get out walking every day, so, if anybody sees me out and about please stop and say hello.

“Thank you again, wonderful people in and around Amersham.”

Potter, of Washington Row, Amersham, was fined £400, ordered to pay £400 in compensation and costs of £400. He pleaded not guilty, but was found guilty of being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury.