‘Devastated’ OAP hears sheriff order dog’s death

Robert Brown, who served in the Royal Marines during the Second World War, earlier said he “might as well get the injection” with his “only friend” Levi if the animal was put down.

The 11-year-old labrador bit a five-year-old girl outside Mr Brown’s home in Falkirk, and the widower had even said he would be willing to give away Levi to be a more able owner or to the SSPCA if it meant the dog would not be killed.

However, Sheriff William Gallacher said at Falkirk Sheriff Court yesterday he had “no option” but to order its death.

Outside court, Mr Brown, who said dogs have been his only real friends since his wife Bridgette died 20 years ago, said: “I’m absolutely devastated. That sheriff doesn’t know how important dogs are. I’m going home to spend time with Levi before he’s gone.”

Fiona De Gaetano, prosecuting, had told the court that the girl and her mother had been returning from the Falkirk Wheel when the incident took place.

The depute fiscal said: “It jumped on the girl and it bit her on the rear of her right leg, causing her to fall to the ground.”

The girl had two deep scratch marks after the incident.

Mr Brown admitted that on 6 December his dog was dangerously out of control. Solicitor-advocate Steven Biggam, defending, said his client was “deeply apologetic”.

He added: “The dog is the only thing he has left in his life.”