The dog at the centre of an attack on a baby in a pushchair in Margate High Street has been put to sleep.

Lovelace, whose owner Glenn Hall was charged with being in charge of a dog that was dangerously out of control on May 18, was put down earlier this week.

Mr Hall, of Buenos Ayres, Margate, was told during proceedings the dog would have to be destroyed regardless of the outcome of the hearing.

RSPCA spokesman Katya Mira said: "Lovelace very sadly has now had to be put to sleep.

"This has been devastating for staff who were caring for her and would have loved to be able to save this dog and find her a new loving home but unfortunately, even though we disagree with the legislation, the law does not allow us to do this."

Lovelace was originally thought to be a Staffordshire Bull Terrier but upon further inspection by police officers it was found to be a pitbull-cross, a banned breed.

Mr Hall was ordered to pay £85 costs and £300 compensation. He was handed 150 hours of community service and banned from keeping dogs for the next 12 months.

Speaking after the hearing Mr Hall, 55, said: "I was at court today for Lovelace's benefit.

"That dog is innocent. The reason she ran away is probably because of the heartless treatment by her previous owner.

"I took her on for humanitarian reasons. She was pregnant and gave birth to seven puppies. She was a devoted mother.

"She had never bitten anyone and was a lovely dog.

"She is a beautiful, lovely, kind-hearted dog."