Man sentenced following dog attack in Winsford

A man has been sentenced after he admitted to being in charge of a dangerous dog in Winsford.

Ian Ladley appeared at Chester Magistrates’ Court today Wednesday 8 November, where he was ordered to complete 80 hours community service and pay £250 compensation.

The 50-year-old of Manor Square, Winsford, previously pleaded guilty to being in charge of a dog which was dangerously out of control.

In addition, he was also ordered to pay £120 costs and £114 compensation. The judge also placed a contingent destruction order on the dog which means that it must wear a muzzle when outside the house and must also be controlled by a person over the age of 16 at all times. Failure to do this could result in the dog being destroyed.

During the hearing the court was told how on Saturday 17 June a dog owned by Ladley attacked a passerby.

The victim, a 39-year-old woman, was walking along Manor Square with her daughter when she became aware of two German Shepherds which were in the rear yard of an address with their owner, Ladley.

As the woman walked past the property the dogs began barking and snapping, before suddenly one of the dogs launched itself over the fence and bit the victim’s upper arm.

The woman shouted at Ladley to say that his dog had bitten her, but he simply ignored the woman and made no attempts to control the dogs.

The victim was able to seek refuge at a friend’s address nearby where it was established that she had sustained minor injuries. She later attended a local hospital for treatment.

Police Constable Paul Gilchrest, of Northwich local policing unit, said:

“Over recent months we’ve seen a number of incidents across the country where people have died or suffered serious injuries after being attacked by dogs.

“Thankfully on this occasion the victim escaped with just minor injuries, however the outcome could have been far worse.

“I hope that this case acts as a reminder of the importance to control your dogs at all times, including when at home.

“Just because the animals are in your house or garden, doesn’t mean that you are not responsible for their actions.”