A DOG has escaped the death penalty - but will become the first canine in the country to bue put on an anti-social behaviour order.

Blackpool Magistrates ordered former prison drug sniffer dog Guinness to be muzzled when out in public, and he cannot be walked by anyone aged under 16.

Two and a half year old black labrador Guinness will also not be allowed off the lead when walked.

Tearful owner, Laura Hardman, a counsellor who has worked in prison, said after the case: "Guinness is a bit of a teenage thug. I don't believe he deserved to die for what he did. I am ecstatic and very grateful he has been allowed to live."

Hardman, 44, of Marsden Street, Kirkham, pleaded guilty to owning a dog which was dangerously out of control in public and caused injury.

A further charge, under the dangerous dogs act, which would have meant the compulsory destruction of Guinness, was dropped.

In addition to having the canine control ASBO placed on her dog, Hardman was given a 12 month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £100 compensation to victim, Jennifer Atkins, and £60 costs.

Prosecutor, Wnedy Lloyd, said on November 30 Joyce Davenport was walking her yorkshire terrier on Kirkham's Memorial Park when Guinness, who was being walked by a family friend, ran over and grabbed the smaller dog.

The terrier owner tried to pick up the dog and, in the melee, Guinness bit her on the arm.

Two days later, Jennifer Atkins was walking her two jack russells on playing fields at Carr Lane, Kirkham. Guinness, out with Hardman's 15-year-old daughter, Charys, and the dog jumped up at the two jack russells. Mrs Atkins was bitten during the commotion.

Allan Cobain, defending, said his client, who had no previous convictions, had acquired the dog from the prison service as a birthday present for her daughter.

After Guinness behaved badly Hardman had consulted a former police-dog handler who was an animal behavious psychologist.

Mr Cobain said: "She was extremely distressed when told previously by the magistrates that one of the allegations carried a compulsory order of destruction of the dog.

"She took legal advice and, at my suggestion, a compromise has been reached. My client is an extremely responsible person. At first, the dog was kept in kennels so the family could be gently introduced to him. Her daughter has been on a dog training course.

"When the dog was let off the lead, it would appear from its general demeanour it was just being boisterous.

"The dog regularly sleeps with two cats and is not a vicious animal.

Mrs Hardman said after the case that Guinness had worked at high security Wymott and Garth prisons and also at Kirham open prison.

Guinness failed to pass his final exams for sniffing out drugs, so the prison service decided to get him rehomed.