A POLICE officer was bitten on the backside by a dog after its owner’s boyfriend was arrested on New Year’s Eve, a court heard.

Snowy, a Jack Russell cross Staffordshire Bull Terrier, can now return to its owner, Tonia Danks after she appeared in Welshpool Magistrates’ Court this week.

Danks, 31, of Edwards Field, Newtown, admitted being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury, but Snowy’s life was spared by magistrates as the incident was on private land and had not broken the officer’s skin.

Helen Tench, prosecuting, told the court that police were called to an address in Machynlleth on December 31, 2016, and a man was arrested.

Danks, who was heavily pregnant at the time, was upset and shouting as her partner was put into the police vehicle and was asked to calm down.

Mrs Tench said: “She went into the house and returned with a dog. The officer stated that when she approached him from behind she was carrying the dog and released it.

“The officers felt she brought the dog from the property to intimidate them.”

Snowy had then bitten PC Matthews on the lower back/buttock area, causing redness but no injury. Three days after the incident, the dog was seized by police and kept away from Danks until her court appearance.

When interviewed, Danks said the dog had escaped through a window. She said she was in control of it the whole time and had not seen it bite the officer.

Robert Hanratty, defending, said: “Nothing was said at the time about the dog having bitten an officer.

“This has taken place on private property and if the dog had not caused the redness that it is alleged to have caused, there would be no offence.

“Her principle concern is for Snowy. It is a very much loved pet within the home.”

He added Danks had no previous convictions and had been going through a “tough time” with mental health and family issues.

Danks was given a conditional discharge for two years. A contingent destruction order was placed on Snowy, who must now be muzzled and on a lead in public, and not allowed in the same room as children at home. Danks must pay £50 compensation to the officer, £85 costs and a £20 surcharge.