HBC: Dangerous dog owner found guilty in court

The owner of a dangerous dog, Josh Hargreaves, of Accrington, has been found guilty and ordered to pay almost £400 in fines and costs by Magistrates, after his dog attacked another dog last year, inflicting fatal injuries.

Blackburn Magistrates court heard how Josh Hargreaves’ dog, a Dogue de Bordeaux mastiff, ran out of a house on Cobham St Accrington and attacked Charlie, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, whilst he was out walking with his owner in August last year.

Charlie was taken to the vets straight after the attack, but sadly died later of a punctured wind pipe.

The Council’s Dog Warden investigated the incident, and told Mr Hargreaves that he must keep his dog under control and that his property must be secured so that the dog cannot run out onto the footpath. The Council then prosecuted Mr Hargreaves under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. Mr Hargreaves has also been served with a Community Protection Warning Notice which requires him to keep his dog on a lead whenever it is in a public place.

Cllr Paul Cox, Cabinet Member for Environmental issues, said; “This is a distressing case and our hearts go out to Charlie’s owner and family who have lost their beloved pet. We will always take action against dangerous dog owners and take them to court wherever we can.”