Foxwood dog owner handed three control orders following multiple dog attacks

A local dog owner who failed to control his three dogs has been given multiple control orders following several attacks by his pets on other dogs in the area

Ben Cairns (aged 32 of Foxwood Lane, York) owns three American Pocket Bullies, a cross breed between an American Staffordshire Terrier and an American Pit Bull Terrier, and appeared at York Magistrates on 15 January 2020.

On four occasions during 2019, Mr Cairn’s dogs escaped from his control in the area where he lives, and attacked three small cross breeds and a Labrador cross which needed veterinary treatment. The owners suffered considerable distress too.

All the control orders have the same conditions. These include ensuring that each dog is kept under proper control at all times; securing the property and boundary where they are kept to prevent them from escaping; wearing a muzzle and collar identifying the name and address of the owner; and keeping each dog on a fixed-length lead at all time when in a public place.

While Mr Cairns has since re-homed one of his dogs, he is still its owner and will remain responsible for ensuring that the current keepers abide by the control order. Any breaches of the order will be Mr Cairns’ responsibility and could result in a £1,000 fine and, potentially, the possibility of the dogs being removed from his care.

Cllr Denise Craghill, Executive Member for Housing and Safer Neighbourhoods, said: “We will not tolerate irresponsible dog owners who do not take sufficient care to ensure their dogs are not a danger to other dogs, or cause fear to residents.

“We welcome the order issued by York Magistrates and will monitor and enforce the conditions to ensure compliance.”

Dog control orders for ‘aggressive’ Akitas dog in York

At York Magistrates Court today (2 January 2018), the owner of two dogs was given dog control orders after they attacked a terrier.

The two American Akitas are owned by a Julie Ross, aged 53 of White Cross Road, York.

In August last year they attacked a Staffordshire bull terrier on White Cross Road. Both Akitas had run free from their home and began the attack which injured the terrier. Its veterinary treatment was voluntarily paid for by Ms Ross.

In November 2016, Ms Ross spoke to officers about an incident when her Akitas escaped her control and the male attacked two small dogs being walked in Huntington Mews.

In March 2017 Ms Ross received and signed a written undertaking to keep the male dog under proper control following the attack in November. The conditions were to keep him on a lead and muzzled whilst in public, to be walked on his own and to complete all actions recommended by a dog behaviourist. Ms Ross failed to comply with all of these conditions.

Officers were also made aware of an attack on one other dog in July 2017.

The dog control orders have been imposed for both dogs to prevent further attacks. Their requirements include keeping both Akita’s under proper control at all time, keeping them supervised whilst outside and keeping them muzzled and on a fixed leash whenever they are in a public place. The dogs are also to be kept in the control of one person who does not have the control of any other dog.

The prosecution were also awarded costs of £615.61

Attacks by dogs on other dogs should be reported by calling (01904) 551555 or emailing neo@york.gov.uk with as much detail as possible, ie description of the attacking dog and the owner/dog walker, where and when the attack took place, details of witnesses and if any vet costs were incurred as a result.

All dog attacks on a person should be reported to the police on 101 and welfare concerns should be reported to the RSPCA.