NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release - 16 July 2014 PR 883 Court orders “dangerous” dog to be muzzled The owner of a dog that bit a neighbour has been ordered to keep the animal muzzled and on a lead at all times when outside after admitting his pet is a danger. John Welford of Ernest Square, Norbiton, was also told he must not take his male German shepherd out with any other dog when he appeared before Lavender Hill Magistrates last week. Kingston Council took Welford, a council tenant, to court after a neighbour complained that he had been bitten on the leg by the dog. The man needed hospital treatment. The court heard also that four years ago Welford’s dog bit a policeman in the leg and hand as the officer passed Welford’s house while on patrol. The officer was taken to hospital by ambulance. The dog was seized at the time but later returned to Welford. Welford accepted in court that the male German shepherd could be dangerous. The court was told that Welford’s other female German shepherd had not been involved in the incident with the neighbour but that he was incapable of controlling both dogs at once. It is against the law to allow any dog to be dangerously out of control anywhere. Councillor Ian George, Kingston Council Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “The council will do whatever it can to make sure that anyone living in a council property doesn’t keep dogs which are a menace and nuisance to other people. Owners must be responsible.” • You can report a dangerous dog to the council on 020 8547 5003. - Ends -
Posted on: Wed, 16 Jul 2014 14:23:52 +0000