New home for Blackburn attack dog (From Lancashire Telegraph)
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New home for Blackburn attack dog
3:50pm Monday 30th July 2012 in Blackburn
A WOMAN convicted in her absence of being in charge of a dangerous dog claimed the animal belonged to her boyfriend, who is in prison.
Blackburn magistrates heard how the Rottweiler attacked a Jack Russell belonging to John Maher, causing serious injuries.
Mr Maher was bitten as he tried to prise the dog’s jaws open to release his pet.
Julie Ashton, 54, of Bolton Road, Blackburn, did not turn up for her trial and was arrested and put before the court. She was remanded on bail for the preparation of a pre-sentence report.
The court heard police would not be applying for the destruction of the dog, which has been in kennels since October.
Carl Gaffney, prosecuting, said the dog was described as “sociable” with people, but still displayed aggression towards other dogs.
“The police are happy that it could be re-homed through the Rottweiller rescue body,” said Mr Gaffney.
He said there would be an application for Ashton to be banned from keeping dogs.
Liz Parker, defending, said her instructions were the dog does not belong to Ashton.
“She describes the incident as a fight between two dogs, which her dog got the better of,” said Mrs Parker.
