Kate Elizabeth Barton (43) is charged with owning a dangerously out of control dog that caused injury to another person, while Russell John Barton (47) is facing a charge of being ‘in charge of a dog that was dangerously out of control’ that caused injury to another person. The couple, who live in Roseville Street, are due to return to court on 12 September, by which time it is hoped an assessment of the animal will have been carried out. The male dog is currently being detained at the JSPCA Animals Shelter.

Police legal adviser Sam Morris said that the incident happened at the Victoria Pier Café on 26 August, when the dog, which was with Mr Barton, allegedly bit the girl on the hand.

Advocate Sarah Dale, defending, said that the incident happened on a Sunday and the dog was not removed from the care of the Bartons until the Wednesday.

Relief Magistrate Sarah Fitz said that she was not currently prepared to allow the dog to be released back into the care of the Bartons.