A dog has escaped a death sentence despite launching a horrific attack on a camper at a Perthshire caravan site.
The German shepherd, named Lupo, was given a reprieve by Sheriff Valerie Johnston after she heard the pet had been handed over to a rescue centre.
Perth Sheriff Court heard the 10-year-old animal launched an unprovoked attack on Paul Yarrington as he and his wife unpacked their motorhome at Scone Palace.
The dog’s owner, Helen Bott, was not present in court but pleaded guilty by letter to allowing the dog to be dangerously out of control at the site on August 7.
Depute fiscal Bill Kermode said: “Paul Yarrington is 66 years old and had gone to the caravan park with his wife.
“At around 4pm, while unpacking, they engaged in conversation with the accused, who was outside their motorhome.
“She had her dog tied to a peg in the ground. While the complainer was chatting to the accused, a dog walker came past.
“All of a sudden the accused’s dog ran the length of its lead and began barking and growling at the dog walker.”
He said Mr Yarrington later noticed the dog approaching him.
Mr Kermode continued: “Suddenly the dog leapt up at Paul Yarrington and bit his right forearm, piercing the skin and causing him to fall to the ground.
“The dog then bit the left side of his back, also piercing the skin. Mr Yarrington managed to get to his knees but at that point the dog lunged for his face, attempting to bite his neck and cheeks.”
Passers-by helped the victim’s wife haul the dog off her husband, while others bandaged his wounds.
Mr Yarrington required hospital treatment following the attack.
Ms Bott, who was not represented by a solicitor, is said to have told police that the dog broke its chain and that she believed the attack began because Mr Yarrington was holding a mirror, which may have shone light into the animal’s eyes.
Mr Kermode said Lupo has since been handed over to German Shepherd Rescue Scotland and was staying with their director.
Asked to consider putting the dog to sleep, Sheriff Johnston said: “I’m not going to order its destruction, given that it’s with the appropriate people.”
She fined Bott, 68, of Sutors Park, Nairn, £500.