Dog owner fined after his animal attacks two people

Posted: August 25, 2014

Posted in: Animal Attacks Arm Injury 

A councillor has been fined after his dog attacked two people in Addlestone earlier this year.  John Edwards (65), Runnymede Borough Council’s longest-serving councillor, was threatened with the destruction of his dog if he did not ensure that she was muzzled in public at all times. Mr Edwards’s 32kg six-year-old Ridgeback-cross, Ruby, caused injury to two people on two separate occasions.

Mr Edwards pleaded guilty to two counts of being in control of a dog that caused injury, and one count of being the owner of a dangerously out-of-control dog. He appeared at North Surrey Magistrate’s Court in Staines on Wednesday last week (13 August), where he was fined £300 and ordered to keep his dog muzzled.

Others in the community stepped forward

It was heard that the first incident occurred on the 23rd of May when a neighbour, Margaret Smithers, had been walking in the local area at around 20:50 BST. She recognised the local councillor, Mr Edwards, and stopped him to speak about the election. Mr Edwards’ dog leaped at Mrs Smithers and bit her on the upper left arm. Following this attack, others in the community stepped forward and said that they had had similar experiences with the dog. Robert Pemberton said that the dog had bitten him only six weeks before the court date.

Judge Workman issued a contingency destruction order, meaning that the dog would be put down if found to be in public without a muzzle. Mr Edwards was ordered to pay £150 for each injury charge, as well as £100 compensation to Ms Smithers and a £20 victim surcharge.

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

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