News / Bailed to look after dog
A MAN accused of failing to comply with a dog control order by walking his pet without a muzzle or lead in public appeared from custody at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Friday.
Alan Watson, of Lerwick’s Sandwall, was released on bail by honorary sheriff Willie Shannon to allow him to care for his dog Lemmy until his next court appearance on Wednesday.
The 29 year old made no plea on six charges of failing to comply with a previously imposed dog control notice – which ordered Watson to keep his dog on a leash and muzzled while in public – at various locations in Lerwick between 25 June and 1 August.
Defence agent Chris Dowle called on his client to be released from custody, as nobody would have been able to look after Lemmy if Watson was remanded until Wednesday.
Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie called on honorary sheriff Shannon to make it clear to Watson, who was in custody after failing to make a previous court appearance, that there could be “dire consequences if he carries on acting so stupidly”.
Releasing Watson on bail, the sheriff said one of his main concerns was the welfare of the dog.
“I will allow you to go home and look after your animal…properly in line with what you’re told,” he said.
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