The owner of a tiny chihuahua accused of attacking a postwoman will not face a second “dangerous dog” trial.

Eight-inch-high pet Louie was accused of biting the ankle of Amy Ash in March last year outside his owner John Anslow’s Wimbledon home.

Mr Anslow, 63, stood trial in January charged with owning a dangerously out of control dog causing injury in a public place, which he denied.

The prosecution claimed the postwoman sought hospital treatment the day after the alleged attack, in which she sustained two puncture wounds to her leg.

But Mr Anslow said Louie had simply barked at Ms Ash, and said: “He loves the children in the family. He’s a family dog.”

After a five-day trial at Kingston Crown Court, a jury was not able to deliver a verdict, despite being given a majority direction and having four hours and 57 minutes of deliberation, and was discharged.

On February 6, at the same court, the Crown Prosecution Service announced it would not seek a retrial.

Sara Wyeth, prosecuting, told the court: “This matter has been reviewed following a hung jury. It is the Crown's position they will not be seeking a retrial as they consider it not in the public interest to do so in this case.

“I have been instructed to formally offer no evidence in the indictment.”

Speaking to the defendant, Judge Peter Lodder QC said: “The prosecution has decided that they do not wish to proceed to a retrial in their matter. Therefore, I will return, and I do return a formal verdict of not guilty so far as this trial is concerned.

He added: “I very much hope you don’t come back.”

Mr Anslow was given a restraining order not to contact Ms Ash, or attend his local Royal Mail sorting office.

Speaking after the short hearing, a relieved Mr Anslow said: “Every dog has its day.”