25 November 2023 , 14:40
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A pit bull-type dog has been returned home after biting a teenager's arm - but the owner must follow a strict new set of rules.
Hugo sunk its teeth into the youngster while out on the lead with owner Carl Jamieson, a court heard. It tore her coat sleeve and left her with 'superficial scratches'. Jamieson, 36, had the dog taken off him after a member of the public witnessed the incident and called police. The dog owner, from Bury in Greater Manchester, found himself in court.
An application was made by police for the destruction of the dog under Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. But the animal was given a reprieve and is now back home with a set of stringent conditions. The incident happened when Hugo started 'playfully biting' his lead while out for a walk, Tameside Magistrates' Court heard. It then jumped up and bit the teenager.
Cops seized the animal and took it to the kennels. Staff there said the pet was "well behaved and easy to handle", describing it as "approachable and friendly, but boisterous".
Jamieson told magistrates the dog is 'very friendly' but wasn't trained at the time of the incident, reports the MEN. Steven Greenough, a dog legislation officer, examined the dog and identified Hugo as a 'pitbull-type' breed. The animal was microchipped and neutered.
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Magistrates said the owner could have his pet back, but under strict conditions. He was told the "onus is on him to control the dog at all times". The animal must wear a muzzle in public and be kept on a lead - and must be kept securely at home to prevent its escape. Jamieson must also get third party insurance and a certificate of exemption for the dog, and keep him at his own property.
If the rules are broken, he could be prosecuted and the dog put down. The owner was ordered to pay £400 towards the cost of the dog being neutered and chipped.
The Mirror is campaigning to overhaul the Dangerous Dogs Act as Brits continue to be killed or seriously injured in vicious dog attacks
The Mirror's demands are...
1) The overhaul of the Dangerous Dogs Act. An Urgent review of the law is needed and tougher penalties should be considered.
2) Enforce the rules to stop the illegal and irresponsible breeding and selling of dogs.
3) A public information campaign to promote the importance of responsible dog ownership and the need for training.