A seven-year-old girl whose upper lip was injured in a Gillingham pub by the landlords' dog spoke out in support of the dog. She said that she did not want four-year-old Ginty destroyed and did not blame her – but blamed her owners.
The incident happened after Ginty, a bull mastiff was let out of a private area by “someone”. Actual events are unclear but Ginty was playing happily with the little girl before the injury occurred.
Initially, landlords Dave Skinner and Elayne Wilson denied the charges, reportedly being advised to do so to save Ginty from being put to sleep. However, new guidelines on dangerous dogs meant that Ginty could return home under a control order set down by Medway magistrates and on advice from a solicitor, the couple changed their plea, admitting allowing Ginty to be dangerously out of control.
The child's injury required four external stitches and more inside her mouth, leaving a faint scar which it is thought should eventually disappear. The court accepted that the injury was caused by a nip, not a bite, that Ginty was a placid dog of previous good behaviour and ordered that after spending nine months in kennels, she should return home “as soon as possible”. Ginty will will now have to be muzzled in public.
Mr Skinner and Miss Wilson were ordered to pay compensation to police of over £5000 to cover kennel costs, a £500 fine and £300 court costs.
The child's family are reported to be taking civil action against the couple for compensation for the injury.
Dogsey Veteran
|
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,963
|
Almost a Veteran
|
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,477
|
Dogsey Veteran
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 3,424
|
|
Thread Tools |
|
Dog News Homepage
Latest and popular news, by week, month, year and all-time!
Dog News Forum
Shows dog related news by latest activity
Submit A News Story
Info on how to submit a news story