A RETIRED vet from Sheepstor has had an appeal to keep two dogs dismissed by Plymouth Crown Court.

The court last week heard that 83-year-old Aubrey Fuller had been given a 28-day suspended prison sentence and a ten year ban on keeping dogs by Plymouth magistrates in November last year. He was found guilty of having a dog dangerously out of control and three counts of owning a dog worrying livestock.

Mr Fuller's barrister Ed Bailey argued that his client should be allowed to keep two of his remaining lurchers — two had already been shot by a sheep farmer and two others re-homed.

Mr Bailey said a financial penalty would have been more appropriate than a suspended prison sentence.

He said Mr Fuller relied on his dogs for companionship and security — if he was forced to give up his remaining animals, he would move to Ireland and start a new life.

Judge Paul Darlow told Mr Fuller he believed he had made life difficult for the community in Sheepstor by disregarding requests and warnings from police and neighbours to keep his dogs under control.

The court heard farmer Graham Palmer claimed to have lost several animals since Mr Fuller had moved to Sheepstor and that he had seen Mr Fuller's dogs carry out a 'frenzied attack' on his sheep.

Other neighbours told the court Mr Fuller was not capable of looking after the dogs or keeping them under control.

Judge Darlow said: 'I have no doubt this sentence was the right sentence.'

He also ordered Mr Fuller to pay £330 costs.