Much Adog About Nothing

Thursday, August 23, 2001 - UK

Aside from that, Judge Roger Thomas applauded a jury's verdict finding the two not guilty of violating the Dangerous Dogs Act, and consequently Mr. Wright was exonerated from a potential five-year prison term, while Ricky the dog was cleared from a death sentence.

Last November in South Shields, Mr. Wright was walking Ricky, his father's Alsatian (German Shepherd), on a street near their home when a scuffle broke out between Ricky and a neighbor's mongrel named "Jack".  There were no reported injuries resulting from the fight, nor has Ricky ever been known to bite, but because Ricky was not on a leash at the time, the Crown Prosecution Service insisted that Mr. Wright had committed an offense.

Yesterday a jury took less than half an hour to agree on an acquittal.  Mr. Wright said afterward, "I can’t believe I have gone through this all because two dogs had a fight in the street. The whole thing is a total nonsense and a waste of the court’s time and the taxpayer’s money."

In an unrelated case earlier this year, "Beth" the Black Lab was also brought to trial as a dangerous dog for growling at two pedestrians, but she was acquitted when the court saw that she had no teeth (read The Scoop, April 6, 2001). 

For free help and advice concerning the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and other canine legislation, contact the National UK Helpline at www.endangereddogs.com

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Above, the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (c.65) has been reproduced in its entirety for your perusal.  Click here if you didn't bring your magnifying glass today.