A sheriff has called for a report from a dog warden before deciding the fate of a Jack Russell Terrier – and its owner – after it bit a 10-year-old girl on the leg.

Perth Sheriff Court was told the youngster was walking down a street with her stepmother at about 7pm on September 22 last year when they saw 56-year-old Douglas Bell with the dog, which wasn’t on a lead.

The girl appeared to be “in pain” and when asked if she was OK, she said she thought the animal had “scratched her” after jumping up.

The 10-year-old’s legging was rolled up and a “clear puncture wound” could be seen, depute fiscal Michael Sweeney explained.

It was bleeding and NHS 24 was contacted but no further treatment was necessary as the girl’s injections were “up to date.”

The woman shouted after the accused and he said “sorry” but continued on his way. “He appeared to be under the influence,” added the fiscal.

Bell, of High Street, Kinross, admitted being the owner of the dog which was “dangerously out of control” and bit the girl in Bowton Road, Kinross.

A not guilty plea was accepted to a second charge which alleged that the Jack Russell had bitten William McLean on the leg, to his injury, at the alleyway between Kinross Primary School and Junction Road, Kinross, on November 4, 2016.

Sheriff Lindsay Foulis said he wanted more information from Perth and Kinross Council’s dog warden service about the animal, the conditions it is kept under and the accused’s suitability for looking after the pet.

Solicitor Paul Ralph undertook to provide that information for the next court hearing on December 10.

Under the legislation, Bell could be banned from keeping dogs for a specified time.