Rottweiler which killed a small mongrel.

The Rottweiler, which has now been destroyed, attacked the mongrel in a highly publicised incident after escaping from a kennel, the court heard.

Simmons, 26, admitted being in charge of a dog which injured another, but said the Rottwelier acted in self-defence.

Prosecutor Sgt. Earl Kirby told Magistrates' Court that on March 11, Mr. Bob Nielsen was walking two dogs, both on a leash, on First Avenue, Devonshire.

Suddenly, the Rottweiler came from behind him and attacked one of the dogs.

Simmons arrived shortly and stopped the attack, but the injured dog died later.

"I believe it was not the first attack,'' Sgt. Kirby said.

Simmons, of Overview Lane, disputed the Police account. He said he had been visiting the dog since it was a puppy. He said he went there to clean its kennel because the owner had apparently not been keeping it in proper condition or changing its water.

As he opened the kennel the Rottweiler bolted and he followed it. "When I got there another dog was there that was off the leash. They were squared up.

"As I called the dog the smaller dog chased after its ankles and bit it on the foot area.

"I feel that the Rottweiler acted in self-defence. The dog was bitten and he retaliated.

"When I asked a gentleman that was there to call a vet, he elected to call the Police.

"It was just one of those unfortunate accidents when the dog just happened to bolt from the kennel. The dog hadn't been walked for a few days, obviously, and was kind of excited to get out.'' He said the dog's owner had lost a pet, while he had lost a $1,500 stud dog he will have to replace.

Senior Magistrate the Wor. Will Francis said it had been a "pretty vicious attack''.

"Big dogs like Rottweilers have to be kept under a firm hand,'' he added.