A judge has ordered that a dog which “effectively disemboweled” a springer spaniel during a vicious attack be destroyed.

Judge Scott Wolstenholme said he had to put the public’s safety first when he made the order at Leeds Crown Court yesterday.

Jerry, a cross mastiff-labrador, bit springer spaniel Ted in Lund Park, Keighley, on July 29, 2012.

Jerry’s owner, Clare Breen, was walking Jerry and a white American bulldog, called Becky, when she fell on wet grass cuttings.

As Breen tried to stand up, Becky slipped her collar. Breen tried to tie Jerry to a bin so she was free to get Becky back on her lead, but Jerry lunged at Ted, who was nearby with his owner Lucinda McGrath, 16.

Last week a jury cleared Breen of being the owner of a dog dangerously out of control which caused injury to another person after Miss McGrath alleged Becky had bitten her.

Following the trial Breen pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of being the owner of a dangerously out of control dog in a public place in relation to Jerry’s attack on Ted.

Judge Wolstenholme said: “It’s agreed that the spaniel suffered dreadful injuries, effectively being disemboweled, and when taken to a vet soon after it was impossible to save its life and the dog was put down.”

Yesterday the court heard from Amy Lelas, who used to run a dog rescue centre and had looked after Jerry for a few weeks before giving him to Breen last year. Mrs Lelas said she would rehome Jerry, who is currently at police kennels, and train him to be reintegrated into her home.

Animal behaviour consultant Dr Candy d’Sa, who assessed the dog in police kennels, said: “I found Jerry to be a very placid, friendly dog. I had no reason or cause for concern.” But Dr d’Sa said she did have concerns about Jerry going to live with Mrs Lelas as there was a two-year-old child at the home.

Sentencing Breen to a 12- month conditional discharge and ordering her to pay £500 compensation, Judge Wolstenholme said: “I don’t think it’s appropriate for there to be a punishment, this wasn’t your fault.”

Ordering Jerry to be put down, the judge said: “This has been a very difficult case for me. I’m impressed by the sincerity of those who are concerned with Jerry’s welfare, but the court’s responsibility is with regard to the safety of the public.”

Becky, who has also been in police kennels, will be returned to Breen, 30, of Malsis Crescent, Keighley.