“VERY PLAYFUL”

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXIII, Issue 11954, 26 May 1933, Page 2

“VERY PLAYFUL”

DOG WHICH BIT AND TORE COAT. WELLINGTON OWNER FINED. A fine of 15s . was imposed upon Caesar Augustus Marquis in the Magistrate’s Court at Lower Hurt for being the owner of a dangerous dog which attacked Charlotte Beatrice Borden.

Miss Jordon said in evidence that as she was walking past Mr Marquis’ house in -Hautana Square one evening the dog. au Alsatian, jumped out and bit her and tore her coat. Myna Hope Campbell, a member of the Lower Hutt division, of the St. John Ambulance, gave evidence ot haying examined the wound made by the dog on Miss Jordou. The wonuu was a bruise in the shaie of teeth marks. Constable R. ft. P. Jones read a statement from Mr Marquis in winch he admitted being the owner or the dog, Mr Marquis had been previously warned about the deg, which was supposed to have attacked a lady. For the defence Mr C. R. Barrett pleaded not guilty. He submitted that the dog was not vicious or dangerous, but very playful. Miss Jordon was nervous of Alsatians and the dog v hick weighed 781 b, had jumped up on her and marked her with his paw. not bitten, her. “If the dog was possessed of the tendencies alleged there would have been very little left of Miss Jordon to-day.'” said Mr Barrett. and he offered to bring evidence in support of his contentions.

Mr J. Miller, jS.Mh. said that he thought the dog had bitten Miss Jordon, though not intending deliberate harm. He could describe it as a playful bite, but people were entitled to be protected.

Through his counsel, Mr Marquis gave an assurance that the dog would .■ k e pt in an enclosure except when it was out on leash.