A Tooting dog-owner who unleashed a torrent of vicious abuse at a dog warden has been fined and ordered to attend an anger management course.

Tita Macauley, 36, of Tooting Bec Road, shouted and screamed the abuse in front of witnesses, including a small child, when the council officer tried to question her about a stray dog.

The dog, a light brown bull mastiff, had been spotted wandering around the Franciscan Road area without a lead and with no owner in sight.

The animal had been causing concern among parents who had been worried about its welfare and the close proximity of young children playing nearby.

One of Wandsworth Council’s dog wardens followed it straight to Macauley’s address.

After initially denying the dog was hers, despite its presence on her property, she finally admitted she was the owner.

When told she would face a fine, Macauley’s started screaming vile insults at him before slamming the door in his face.

Moments later she opened the door and continued the tirade in front of a small child before turning her fury on a member of the public.

Councillor Jonathan Cook, the council's community spokesman, said: "This was a shocking episode that involved a vicious verbal attack on a public servant who was simply doing his duty."

On November 29, at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court, Macauley, who admitted three public order offences, was ordered to attend an anger management course.

She received a 12-month community order, a 12-month supervision order and was ordered to pay a £50 fine and £265 costs.