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.

Hamilton Drive dog attack owner fined

Owner of dangerous dog to pay £320 for not keeping it under control

  The owner of a bull terrier which was issued a dog control order in May this year, has been given a conditional discharge for 12 months and has been charged £320 by York Magistrates Court.

Leanne Wyrill, aged 27 of James Backhouse Place, York, owns a Staffordshire cross breed which attacked other dogs in a York park and killed a neighbour’s cat. She was given a dog control order on 24 May 2017 with £260 costs.

In court today she pleaded guilty to failing to keep her dog under control. The Magistrate charged her prosecution costs of £300 and a court surcharge of £20. The conditional discharge means that if she is found guilty of the same offence in the next 12 months, she could face further costs and possibly a sentence.

The court order requires Ms Wyrill to keep the dog under proper control at all times, muzzled and wearing a collar whenever it’s outside, and also to be kept on a lead whenever it’s in a public place.

The court heard today that on 28 and 29 May, 13 and 16 June 2017 the dog was seen in its owner’s back garden without a collar or muzzle. After the sightings in May, the council wrote to Ms Wyrill reminding her of the order’s conditions.

On 24 and 25 June 2017, the dog was seen again in the back garden without a muzzle and, in the early hours of the morning of 26 June 2017, it was seen running down the street towards Hamilton Drive, York and later that same day in the garden without a muzzle.

Council neighbourhood enforcement officers visited Ms Wyrill again and asked her to attend an interview to discuss the offences and be given further advice about the order.

Between 27 June and 4 August 2017, Ms Wyrill allowed the dog in the back garden without a muzzle on four further occasions. She failed to attend the interview or answer questions sent by letter.

The Magistrate confirmed that if Ms Wyrill wanted to vary the control order she would have to contact the court to do so.

To report a dog on dog attack in York, residents should call the council on (01904) 551551 or email neo@york.gov.uk. Reports of dog attacks on people should be reported to North Yorkshire Police by dialling 101. (more…)