A CHELMSFORD woman faces a “high-level” community order after her dog attacked two police horses while out on patrol.

Samantha Simmonds, 33, of Eves Crescent, pleaded guilty to being the owner of a dog that was dangerously out of control in a public place.

The court heard Simmonds’ dog Tyson, a Staffordshire bull terrier, chased and attacked horses Bella and Biscuit in the Skerry Rise area of Chelmsford on January 12. Both horses needed stitches for their injuries.

Prosecuting, Denise Holland told Chelmsford Magistrates Court on Wednesday: “Tyson approached the horses, barking. He jumped and began biting them. The owner tried to pull the dog away, but was unsuccessful and was described as being scared of the dog. The horses then bolted and the dog chased and attacked them.

The court heard the incident has cost Essex Police £4,098 in vets bills, kennel costs for the dog and losses of the horses being out of action.

Magistrate Bob Davies said: “The court does consider it serious enough that the punishment should be a high-level community order.”

Simmonds was released on unconditional bail and the case was adjourned until Thursday, March 3, at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court.