A miniature dachshund was killed in a sustained dog attack after two "XL bully type" dogs escaped from a Darwen property, a court heard.
Daniel Buckley, 42, of Lynwood Avenue, Darwen, appeared before Preston Crown Court after admitting being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control, causing injury.
The court heard how Lee Bennison had been walking his two dogs, Daisy and Coco, towards a corner shop on June 20 last year when he noticed two loose dogs on a nearby grass verge.
The animals, described as XL bully types in court, were not on leads or muzzled, and were not with an owner.
Prosecutor Elizabeth Walker said the dogs ran towards Mr Bennison, with one grabbing sausage dog Daisy in its mouth.
Coco ran off and hid under a car.
Despite repeated attempts to pull the dog away, the animal repeatedly clamped down on Daisy’s back leg.
Members of the public eventually helped detain the dogs, but by this time Daisy was dead.
Coco was later treated by a vet.
Mr Bennison suffered injuries to his ear, fingers, elbows, and knees as he tried to intervene.
In a victim personal statement, he described ongoing trauma, including flashbacks and night terrors, and said he is now fearful of other dogs.
He said the incident initially left him too scared to leave his home and affected his ability to work.
Buckley later contacted police to report the dogs had escaped from his address, identifying himself as the owner or person in charge.
The court heard the dogs had been taken in by Buckley after being found abandoned in poor condition.
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Mitigating, William Staunton said Buckley had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and was deeply remorseful, accepting he should not have kept the dogs.
Recorder Geoff Lowe said there was no evidence the dogs were a banned breed, but they were clearly powerful animals capable of causing serious harm.
He said Buckley had a responsibility to ensure they were properly controlled.
Buckley was sentenced to a two-year community order, including 160 hours of unpaid work, 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days, and a six-month alcohol treatment programme.
He was also ordered to pay £750 compensation and banned from owning dogs for three years.
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