ERROR RG P4 8.9.1995 A story in yesterday's paper about a man receiving a suspended prison sentence for causing or permitting unnecessary suffering to an animal incorrectly reported that Magistrate the Wor. Edward King said he only would impose an order depriving the man of the custody of goats and cattle permanently, if there were any further similar offences. Mr. King refused to impose such an order because there was no evidence before the court that cruelty was extended to any other animal. The goat was not made a ward of the court. It was in the care of the SPCA.

A pet goat was the victim of a vicious attack early yesterday morning when a neighbourhood dog bit off half her ear.

And the year-old goat, named Fanny, probably would have lost her life if it hadn't been for the two horses that share her stables.

The goat's owner, Mr. Reggie Rayner, of Rayner's Drive, Southampton, said he noticed his cousin's Dobermann ottweiler coming up from the stables when he went to feed the animals at around 8 a.m.

"I went down to the stables and noticed that the goat, which was tied to a tree, was bleeding heavily from her ear and neck.'' He said he originally purchased the goat to keep the horses company, but she had become his nine-year-old son Matthew's pet.

"I was so mad at what the dog had done to her that I took Fanny straight over to my cousin's house to show him what his dog had done.'' Mr. Rayner said that because the dog's owner was his cousin he did not want to press charges but "I did want to drive the point home that people need to take care of their animals, especially their dogs, and they need to keep them under control.'' Mr. Rayner said the attack has left Fanny nervous and reserved.

"The veterinarian, Dr. Heslop, who came to examine the goat told me that if it wasn't for the horses Fanny would have been dead because dogs tend to stay and finish the job. The horses probably started making a fuss and scared the dog off.'' Mr. Rayner's son was also upset by the attack and said if he had known Fanny was in trouble he would have tried to help her.

"I wish I was down there with a bat, and I wish I could have saved her from the attack but I'm happy she is alive. The horses are her friends.''