"One of the dogs, a Jack Russell wearing a muzzle, ran towards them and the defendant called the Jack Russell away.
"Bruce then ran towards Mr and Mrs Spain, the defendant yelled something like 'he's ok, don't worry' but Bruce ran behind Mr and Mrs Spain and bit Mr Spain on the ankle."
Marvelly restrained Bruce, offered assistance and apologised to Spain, who required stitches at Whanganui Hospital for a 3cm-deep laceration.
"On the day that it happened, I wasn't aware that the dog was menacing," Marvelly said.
"I've known him all my life and I've never seen any aggression from him before."
Marvelly was ordered by Judge Garry Barkle to pay a $500 fine, $37 reparation and $250 emotional harm reparation as well as solicitor's costs of $150 and a $80.50 service fee.
He pleaded that Bruce, back at home with his owner, should be able to live and will have a chance to further state his case at a hearing to decide whether or not destruction will be ordered on September 24.