74478-31THE owner of a dog that is facing a possible death sentence after attacking a Swindon schoolboy says she just wants it back.

Casey, a Neapolitan Bullmas-tiff, was seized by dog wardens last month after biting 14-year-old Peter Bailey so badly on the arm that he needed surgery.

The schoolboy's home in Shalbourne Close, Penhill, backs onto that of the dog's owner Wendy Royle in Downton Road, and his parents Sandra and David Bailey say the dog is highly dangerous and should be put down.

But Mrs Royle, 40, who has three children, is adamant that 13-month-old Casey is just a big softie.

Speaking outside Swindon Magistrates Court on Friday, where she pleaded not guilty to not keeping her dog under control, she said: "It's terrible.

"I'm not guilty this was a provoked act. Our Miniature Pinscher dog grew up with Casey and they are always together.

"She is really whining for her now.

"I just want my dog back now. "Casey is a really soft dog.

"I've got three children and she has always been friendly to them.

"Nobody wants to know what really happened."

Casey is currently being kept at a quarantine centre just outside Salisbury since being taken away by dog wardens on December 17.

Under the Dangerous Dogs Act, if Mrs Royle is convicted, the magistrates have the power to order that Casey is put down or kept under better control.

Peter's mother, Sandra, is hoping that Casey will not be returning to her neighbour's house.

Mrs Bailey who has two other children Geoff, 26 and Suzanne, 28, and also cares for her two grandchildren at the house, claims the dog is dangerous and her children are scared of it.

"Peter's arm is a lot better now but it still hurts every now and again.

"I would like to see this dog put down.

"I love dogs but I don't want this dog running away again."

She described the moment when Peter was attacked by the dog by garages behind his house.

"It was absolutely horrible. I just didn't know what to do and how to get it off whether to pull it off or not."

There will be a pre-trial review of the case at Swindon Magistrates Courts on February 24.

Following that the case will be heard at the magistrates court.

Diana Milne