A RETIRED police officer whose dog killed a much loved cat has been ordered to pay more than £1,000 in fines and compensation.

Skipton magistrates heard today that Peter Simpson, of Ingleborough Park Drive, Ingleton, had his lurcher dog on a short, rigid lead when it attacked and killed a grey Asian Tiffanie cat owned by Brigid Morgan.

The attack occurred in an alleyway known as Church Street at around 9pm on September 28 last year.

Simpson, 68, who had worked as a police officer in Merseyside before his retirement, was interviewed by police and was initially charged with being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control which he denied.

The charge was dropped after no evidence was submitted.

Instead he pleaded guilty to allowing his dog to kill the cat.

John Mewies, mitigating, said the attack had not been caused intentionally and his client was deeply sorry and ashamed.

He was fined £545, and ordered to pay costs of £100, a surcharge of £54 and compensation to the cat’s owners of £350.