The owner of a “dangerous” dog has been fined more than £4,000 after his pet injured a member of the public in a Bucks park.

Michael Staten, aged 40, has been ordered to pay a £4,326 fine and £2,033 in compensation after his dog, a bullmastiff named Hunter, became “dangerously out of control” and injured a man in some playing fields in Garthwaite Crescent, Shenley Brook End.

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At a hearing at Milton Keynes Magistrates’ Court on August 18, Staten, of Cosgrove Priory in Cosgrove, Staten admitted to being the owner or person in charge of a dog dangerously out of control.

He had previously denied the offence, which took place on April 4, 2020, but then went on to make a guilty plea.

As well as being ordered to pay thousands of pounds, the magistrates also imposed a series of strict rules to ensure Staten keeps Hunter properly under control in the future.

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Hunter must now always be kept on a lead when outside the house. The lead cannot be longer than two metres and must be held by an adult at all times.

The pet must also wear an “appropriate” muzzle when in a public place.

Even though the court were advised by an expert that Hunter is not a danger to public safety, the pet could be “destroyed” if Staten does not follow these rules.

On top of the fine and compensation, Staten must also pay £690 costs to the court.