A Pembroke man this morning admitted having control of a pitbull that attacked a nine-year-old boy.

Kyle Wade, 25, also pleaded guilty to possessing two unlicensed pitbulls on June 14, when the incident occurred.

Magistrates’ Court heard that at around 5.30pm that day, animal wardens responded to a report of a dog attack in the area of Admiralty Park.

They had been informed that two pitbulls had been allowed to run off lead in the area before one of the dogs attacked a boy, causing injuries to both legs.

When the wardens arrived, they seized two pitbulls — a black and white female named Euro and a female named Yen — neither of which was found to be licensed. Both dogs were later euthanised.

The court heard that Wade’s parents had previously appeared before the court and had also pled guilty to possessing the two dogs, receiving fines of $250.

While prosecutor Maria Sofianos suggested a fine of $1,000 would be appropriate for the offence of having control of the dog that attacked the boy, Senior Magistrate Juan Wolffe expressed concerns about the extent of the injuries to the child.

Looking at pictures of the injuries suffered, he said: “I’m no doctor, but they look quite significant to me.”

He ordered that sentencing be adjourned until June 29 so that a victim impact statement can be carried out, releasing Wade on $2,000 with a like surety.

• It is The Royal Gazette’s policy not to allow comments on stories regarding criminal court cases. As we are legally liable for any slanderous or defamatory comments made on our website, this move is for our protection as well as that of our readers.