Boy, 3, savaged by Akita dog in terrifying Tipton attack
A three-year-old boy was savagely attacked by a dog in the street, a court heard.
The American Akita leapt up at the boy and his screaming mother desperately tried to pull her son from the animal's grip during the terrifying attack in Tipton.
Magistrates ruled at the hearing that the dog named Troy would not be put down and could return to the family home.
She said the boy's mother had told police of the dog's enormous strength and how she desperately tried to pull it away from her child.
Within moments, the dog's owner Kulwinder Singh had pulled it away from the boy 'with great difficulty', took it through his garage and into his back garden. He then went to help the boy, whose head was 'pouring with blood'.
The boy's mother said her son had been left with teeth marks above his left ear and three deep scratches – one on his shoulder and two on his back.
Magistrates were told that the youngster spent time in hospital following the attack and his injuries were so severe they had to be glued together.
The boy was walking along Colville Close with his mother and sister on May 26. Without warning Singh's family pet broke free from a lead tied to a tree in his front garden and attacked him.
The five-year-old dog had been tied to a conifer in front of Singh's home by a metal lead and leather collar as the 48-year-old completed chores nearby.
Magistrates were told the youngster had been left with 'serious psychological harm'. He had previously been a happy child but was now frequently upset.
Miss Amrisha Parathalingam, defending, said that Singh had shown remorse.
In a report a West Midlands Police dog expert recommended Troy be given back to Singh but that he and his family would need to obey strict conditions.
Singh admitted on Monday being an owner in charge of a dog dangerously out of control and causing injury.
Magistrates acknowledged Singh showed remorse but told him he will need to pay the boy £1,500 in compensation, a contribution of £1,241 towards kennel fees, costs of £350 and a victim surcharge of £85.
The dog will be allowed to go back to Singh's home but must be muzzled and on a lead in public places.
