Dog owner banned from owning animals
Posted: December 30, 2014
Posted in: Animal Attacks
A dog owner has been banned from owning pet dogs in the future after her dog bit four people. The attacks happened on separate occasions between January and May 2014. The owner, Heather Macdonald, allowed her German shorthaired pointer to run off the lead while on its walks along a busy Derbyshire path. The dog bit three women and one man.
63-year-old Ms Macdonald, from Newton, Alfreton, was arrested and charged with four cases of owning a dangerously out of control dog in a public place and causing injury. She admitted the charges and was sentenced with three months in prison and an 18 month suspension. The sentencing took place on Thursday 18 December at Derby Crown Court.
200,000 people bitten a year
On top of her prison sentence and suspension, Ms Macdonald was also served a 10 year ban on owning dogs. She was also ordered to pay compensation to each of the injured victims.
The dog has been kept in kennels since the attacks were reported in June. Kennel owners are currently looking to rehome her.
It is estimated that over 200,000 people a year are bitten by dogs in England, with the annual cost of treating victims at around £3million. Under new Government plans, the owners of dangerous dogs could face the same jail terms as dangerous drivers.
If you have suffered an animal-related injury or an injury in a public place, and are looking to claim compensation, please contact us.
« Disabled teen wins £8million from birth injury claim
Two hospitals ban paramedic for whistleblowing »
