Century-old law saves Leeds attack dogs from death

Maureen Mullen, 57, was charged under the archaic 1871 Dogs Act instead of the 1980 Dangerous Dogs Act, with being the owner of two dogs which were dangerous and not kept under proper control.

District Judge Roy Anderson made an order that Mullen, 57, of Meanwood, Leeds, should keep them under control by leashing or muzzling them.

He told her: "Until this time there had been no violent behaviour by the dogs towards other animals or human beings. But if there is a repetition, then both dogs will be destroyed.

"You are very fortunate that you were not prosecuted under more recent legislation relating to dangerous dogs where a destruction order would have been virtually a foregone conclusion."

Martin Townend, prosecuting, at Leeds Magistrates Court, West Yorks., said the 1871 act was the most appropriate for the case.

He said the offences occurred on March 13 when Rhiannon Leavett and her mother Ann were walking their four-year-old Shetland pony, Chloe, in Meanwood Park.

They came across the defendant who was with her terriers which were off the leash, the dogs attacked the pony and chased it into woods, causing appalling injuries, some of which required stitches.

Andrew Hollas, for Mullen, said the court was not dealing with an irresponsible dog owner but an animal lover.

He said: "She shows an eccentric kindness to animals of all kinds. She takes them in and nurses them back to health.

"If she had thought her dogs would be responsible for such an attack, she would never have let them off the lead.

"These dogs were assumed to be Staffordshire bull terriers because of their colouring but they are not. They are cross-bred mongrels.

"Mrs Mullen has grandchildren aged three and six, who have robustly played with these animals which have never exhibited any form of aggressive behaviour. "

After the hearing, Paul Leavett, Rhiannon's dad, said: "We expected the dogs to be put down but the fact that they have to be leashed or muzzled is a start.

"The pony was bitten to pieces in a five-minute ordeal and was having pieces of flesh ripped off it and eaten. We were waiting for the case to be completed before we seek compensation.

"We want to recover our veterinary costs which at present come to over 850. Chloe has had some brand new laser treatment from an equine therapist which has been absolutely brilliant. It grows flesh over wounds.

"Chloe has made a good recovery but we will never be able to show her again.

She is very scarred."

Mullen was also ordered to pay 100 in costs.