Liverpool DDA cases now go to appeal

THREE DOG owners appeared at Liverpool Crown Court last week after their cases had twice been adjourned The first case was that of Michael Hampson and his dog Lloyd. Michael had adopted his dog from the RSPCA in Halewood.

Mr Hampson told the court he was totally unaware that the dog was a pit bull type, as were the
RSPCA at the time of Lloyd’s adoption. The dog had initially come to the attention of the police
whilst being walked by Mr Hampson’s brother.

A statement by the police said that Lloyd had not shown any signs of aggression whilst in police
custody and was able to be handled easily by the breed ID officer. He was described as a friendly
playful dog. Michael was able to satisfy the judge that Lloyd did not pose a danger to the public and last week he agreed that Lloyd could be placed on the Index of Exempted dogs, but insisted that Mr Hampson was to be the sole owner of Lloyd.

The next case was that of Natalie Smith, whose case was previously adjourned. Despite Ms
Smith’s dog, Elu, having shown no signs of aggression throughout her stay in police kennels or during a behavioural assessment just the day before, the judge said he was not satisfied
that she didn’t pose a danger and ordered her destruction.

Deed Not Breed on behalf of the owners, have instructed Lara Smith - the Bolton solicitor to defend the three cases - to lodge an immediate appeal.

The final case is that of Anthony Adlard and his dog, Hendrick. Mr Adlard was previously prosecuted under section 3 of the DDA when his dog attacked another dog. The owner of the other dog was injured in the course of the fight and Mr Adlard was found guilty. A destruction order was placed on the dog but this was lifted on appeal with restrictions placed upon
the dog, including muzzling in public.

The appeal judge was unaware that Hendrick was a section 1 dog so did not open the Index at the time, hence the case having to go via 4b. The district judge was not satisfied that the dog didn’t pose a danger despite showing no signs of aggression in police custody or at a behavioural
assessment the day before, and ordered his destruction.

Deed Not Breed, on behalf of the owner, have instructed Lara Smith to lodge an immediate
appeal.

More news on this and the Bolton Crown Court case in next week’s issue.