An Angus man has been banned from keeping dogs for 10 years after setting his alsatian on police officers.
Paul Robert McCrorie, 39, of Drumachlie Park, Brechin, appeared before Sheriff Pino Di Emidio at Forfar on Thursday.
He previously admitted being in charge of an alsatian dog that was dangerously out of control at Montrose Street, Brechin, on May 30.
McCrorie further admitted allowing the dog to repeatedly bare its teeth, bark, rear up, pull on its lead and lunge towards four police officers and attempt to bite them having been given a command.
Depute fiscal Jill Drummond told the court the white alsatian had previously been involved in an incident with officers.
Police attended a call and witnessed McCrorie walking towards them with the dog.
McCrorie lowered his head down to the dog and it became aggressive.
She said the dog reared up on its hind legs and McCrorie was struggling to hold on to its lead.
It was snapping and lunged towards the officers, trying to bite them.
McCrorie was asked to control his dog.
He replied: “Back off or I will let him maul you. He is trained to attack hi-vis.”
Officers stood down and retreated to a safe distance and McCrorie and the dog walked on.
A property seizure warrant was later granted for his home address. The dog was subsequently seized and taken to kennels.
McCrorie relinquished ownership of the dog after his arrest and it has now been rehomed outwith the Tayside area.
Solicitor Brian Bell said: “The court would be justified to impose a custodial sentence. However, on this occasion there is an alternative to custody.”
Mr Bell said his client had little recollection of the incident itself.
Sheriff Pino Di Emidio said: “The court has to treat this as an extremely serious matter. But given the positive social work report I do not need to imprison you.”
McCrorie was sentenced to 190 hours’ unpaid work to be completed within one year.