Dog owner charged over death of man walking his Yorkshire terrier

David Ellam, 52, died in hospital in August last year after he was bitten by a dog near his home in the town’s Sheepbridge area.

Aaron Joseph, 29, will appear in court next month charged with owning a dangerous dog.

Police called to the attack in Riddings Road found Mr Ellam with serious injuries. He was taken to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary but was later pronounced dead.

His Yorkshire terrier was also injured during the incident and received emergency veterinary care.

The suspect dog was captured and taken to kennels.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is investigating the return of the dog to its owner by officers a week before the fatal attack.

Joseph, of Riddings Road, Huddersfield, is charged with owning a dog dangerously out of control causing injury resulting in death, and possession of cannabis.

He is due to appear at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court on March 2.