A WOMAN whose Jack Russell tore off a two-year-old Chihuahua's nose after dragging it through a broken fence by its face has been ordered to pay £400.

Celia Duraes, 42, has been ordered to muzzle her canine at all times after it pounced on the little dog, named Star, as it enjoyed its walkies past her home in Pearl Road, Swindon, on May 9 this year.

The Jack Russell - named Jack - pushed his head through a fence panel and tried to pull Star through the gap into the garden, shutting the panel on the dog's neck, Swindon Magistrates' Court heard.

Star's owner, who was also walking his other dog Rocky at the time, dropped the lead to use all his might to pull Star back through.

It is said Jack was growling as he tried to shake the Chihuahua to death.

The injured dog was taken to the vets for specialist treatment and surgery to re-attach his jaw.

He stayed in hospital for six days and was sent home with a feeding tube, painkillers, antibiotics and anti-fungals, and lost a great deal of weight, magistrates were told.

Duraes said she wasn't at home when the attack happened and it wasn't her fault.

But prosecutor Rosie Heath said the 'vicious attack' warranted an order that the dog be kept on a lead and muzzle even in the back garden of his owner's house.

"He's a Jack Russell - he digs, I'm sure. He could escape at some point," she said.

Describing Star's horrific injuries, she said: 'His nose was only kept in place by his skin."

Duraes told magistrates: "I didn't say I deny what happened, I just deny it was my fault.

"We weren't at home and I don't know exactly what happened, I just know what I have been told."

She added: "We never had a problem with the dog before."

Duraes was ordered to pay £400 in costs.

Chairman of the bench David Whetham also granted an order which means Jack must now be kept in a secure area and muzzled at all times when left outside unattended, as well as muzzled when out in public.

He warned Duraes: "If you do not comply with this order Jack may be destroyed."