The boy was attacked by the dog, called Hugo, after it had escaped from the home of its owner, Meacalla Newcombe.
Newcombe, 41, was ordered to pay the boy £1,000 in compensation, and complete 100 hours of unpaid work, at Caernarfon Crown Court today (February 25).
She had previously pleaded guilty to being in charge of a dangerously out of control dog causing injury.
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Prosecutor Michael Whitty said that, on May 15, 2024, the boy was making his way home from playing football when he was attacked by Hugo.
Hugo is of a prohibited breed, but Newcombe had an exemption certificate permitting her to keep him – though he was not muzzled as he should have been.
The dog had exited the property via a side door, which appeared to have been opened by one of Newcombe’s children while she was showering.
After hearing a growl from behind him, the boy was confronted by what he described as a “large, muscly dog, with no collar or lead”.
CCTV footage showed the boy running and slipping – after the fall, the dog jumped on to his back, causing the boy to curl up and put his hands around his head.
Hugo then scratched him, bit his head and elbow, and chased him until he ran into a nearby house.
His mobile phone also was damaged and smashed from the impact of him hitting the floor, and his football shirt was ripped by the dog.
He was taken to Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor by his father, and had sustained a deep wound to the back of his neck, and puncture wounds to his left ear.
In a statement, the boy said he is too scared to walk through the area where this happened, and when gets off his school bus, he now takes a more circuitous route.
The boy added: “I didn’t ask for this dog to run at me or attack me. I don’t think I’ve ever been so scared. The pain was bad, but not as bad as how much I wanted to run away.”
Representing Newcombe, who had no previous convictions, Jo Maxwell said her client feels “remorse” and “devastation” for what she accepted was a “terrifying experience” for the boy.
Ms Maxwell said Hugo is a “much-loved family pet”, and that this was an “isolated incident”.
She added: “Her reaction to what had taken place is a testament to her character. She sought to apologise at the time… she’s fully co-operated with all matters in respect of this prosecution.”
Sentencing, Judge Timothy Petts told Newcombe: “It was, clearly, a very shocking and terrifying incident for him.
“You didn’t take enough measures to prevent the dog from escaping from your house.”
The dog was made subject to a contingent destruction order, meaning he is not to be in a public place unless he is on a double-fixed lead, harnessed, muzzled, and under proper control.
Hugo must also wear a muzzle if an “unknown person” is in Newcombe’s house, while Newcombe is to undertake training sessions with a “reputable dog trainer”.