Dog that attacked police officer saved from destruction

Posted: May 8, 2015

Posted in: Animal Attacks Hand Injuries Workplace Injuries 

The owner of a Staffordshire bull terrier that attacked a police officer has saved his dog from destruction by claiming that he attacked due to fear of the high-viz jacket. Michael Leech’s dog, Milo, bit Pc Philip Raymond twice after Mr Leech and his girlfriend had an argument in the street. Milo was due to be destroyed by order of a judge at Manchester Crown Court, but a dog behavioural expert provided evidence that his aggressiveness could be stopped if he were to be ‘castrated’.

It was heard in court that Pc Philip Raymond had gone to Holcombe Crescent, Clifton, where Mr Leech had locked his girlfriend out of her home with the dog. The dog began to growl at the officer and proceeded to attack him. Pc Raymond managed to grab the dog by the collar and run to his van. He later received hospital treatment for the severe puncture wounds and swelling to his left hand.

Dog was generally ‘submissive’

Mr Leech defended the attack in court, saying that the dog was clearly threatened by the high-viz jacket. A dog behavioural expert examined Milo and ruled that the dog was generally ‘submissive’ and did not need to be placed on the dog bite register.

Milo has been sentenced to a ‘contingent dog destruction order’, which means that he must be muzzled at all times while in public, and must remain on a short lead. He has also been castrated.

Leech pleaded guilty to owning a dangerously out of control dog and has been sentenced to 12-months community order, 150 hours of unpaid work, an order to pay £200 in costs, £500 in compensation to the officer, and an additional £2,000 in police kennel fees before Milo can be returned home.

If you have suffered an animal-related injury or an injury at work, and are looking to claim compensation, please contact us. 

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