United Kingdom: Brixham couple speak out after horrific dog attack

UNITED KINGDOM -- A Brixham couple have spoken out about the terrifying attack on their beloved Westie Thomas to warn other dog lovers.

Veronica Bridge and Richard Stent got in touch after reading about the series of attacks in South Devon which have left dogs seriously injured.

Thomas, 4, nearly died after being was attacked by another dog which wasn’t on a lead. His neck ripped so bad it was down to bone and he was badly bitten on his back and stomach.

It took six people to try to part the dogs and the other dog only let go when someone wrapped a top around it’s neck to stop it breathing and release its jaws clamped around Thomas’ neck.

Veronica and Richard, who live in Marine Drive, Brixham, said they had been totally traumatised by the attack and were only ready to talk about it now.

Richard said he had been walking Thomas on a lead when he was attacked by another dog, not on a lead and with no collar.

The dog ran up and bit Thomas on the back and neck and started to drag him across the grass.

Richard said: “He dragged me together with Thomas. I knew if I had let him go, that dog would have taken Thomas off and killed him.”

LOCKED JAWS

About six neighbours came and were trying get the dog off. Richard said they weren’t able to get the dog off for some 20 minutes. “A man took his jumper off and wrapped it around the other dog’s neck to stop him breathing because it was the only way to get him to unlock his jaw.”

Richard said Thomas’ neck was ripped open across the back. “You could see the neck bones and puncture marks on his back and tummy,” he said.

He was rushed off to the local vets and then put on a drip and taken to a specialist vet in Wellington where he was kept in for six days.

Veronica said: “We want people to be more aware of big dogs which aren’t on leads. Most dogs are fine but you need to be prepared and on the alert.

“The attack on Thomas was just so traumatic. I literally had to lift my dog off the other dog’s teeth. It cost £5,500, luckily we were insured. But it’s not about the money. Thomas is fine now, but other people need to know this could happen.”

There has been a spate of serious dog attacks in recent weeks.

A Staffordshire Bull Terrier launched an unprovoked attack on a Shih Tzu in the park off Torquay’s Cricketfield Road. The little dog needed extensive treatment at the vet’s while the 73-year-old owner, who instinctively ‘threw herself on top of her dog’ to try to save him, was also bitten and needed an overnight stay in Torbay Hospital.

A dog, believed to be a pit bull, attacked another dog in Newton Abbot town centre. The injured dog’s owner was taken to hospital after attempting to free her pet.

And a Staffie cross breed attacked a West Highland White Terrier in Torquay’s busy Fleet Street. The Westie suffered four puncture wounds and was rushed to the vet, and the woman who had been walking the Westie for her owner was bitten as she tried to keep the dog away.

There is no rule that states that a dog should be put to sleep if it bites a person or another animal. Legally, if certain conditions are fulfilled, the person in charge of the dog may be brought before a court and may be ordered to have the dog put to sleep.

A spokesman for animal welfare charity the RSPCA said: “The RSCPA expects owners to ensure that their dogs, and their own behaviour in respect of their dog, does not unreasonably compromise the health, safety or well-being of other persons or animals and it is a legal requirement to keep a dog under control.

“But owners should be aware that in general, dogs which use aggression are generally doing so because they feel threatened and so are experiencing a negative emotional state or very simply are unhappy in particular situations.

“If you have a dog that displays aggressive behaviour towards dogs, people or other animals then it is important to seek expert advice and it may also be necessary to muzzle your dog.

"It is important to get your pet checked by a vet first to rule out any form of illness or injury that could be causing the issue. Your vet can then refer you to a behaviour expert. They need to be someone who has the appropriate skills, up to date knowledge, experience and qualifications as well as someone who works to protect dog welfare. You can find a behaviourist on the RSPCA’s website.”

This is assuming that people with vicious dogs even care...

(Devon Live - August 30, 2017)

Australia: Police searching for person who went into family's yard, grabbed their elderly 17-year-old Westie and strangled him to death

AUSTRALIA -- A Brisbane family is devastated following what police are calling a "sickening attack" on a pet dog.

The 17-year-old West Highland Terrier, named Scruffy, was found dead with a towel from the family's clothesline tied around his neck at Northam Avenue, Bardon.

The towel was then tied to a plant.

Liam and Cath Proberts were in Sydney at a wedding when their son made the awful discovery on Friday.

A stringy old towel taken off the clothesline had been used to tie up the West Highland terrier, who had been in the family since the inner-west Brisbane couple's eldest daughter's sixth birthday.

"We were all, our initial reaction was just disbelief and then anger, really angry, like how the hell, it's unfathomable," Mr Proberts said.

"How could and who could do this?"

The pet appeared to have been killed near the clothesline before being taken from the side of the house into the backyard and "displayed" in full view of the main lounge room.

Police described the killing as a "sickening attack", saying there was blood found at the scene.

Detectives announced an animal cruelty investigation on Monday, calling for public assistance from anyone who may have seen what happened in the luxurious Bardon home's backyard between 10.30am and 3pm on Friday but no one was home.

An easement runs past the back of the home but Mrs Proberts said Scruffy had been quiet in his old age and would have been difficult to see from the tree-filled park.

The Proberts family was hoping some of that blood could have been the attacker, giving police a chance to match the DNA.

"I actually would really like to catch whoever did it," Mrs Proberts said.

Cath Proberts said, "We're living in a neighbourhood that someone's capable of not only attacking Scruff, but leaving him on display, so the intent was very malicious."

Mrs Proberts said Scruffy hadn't barked for the last year because he was so old.

"Our neighbours said they didn't even know we had a dog," she said.

The family can’t imagine who would do such a thing to their “defenceless” pet who could barely walk up the stairs.

It's believed Scruffy was attacked sometime between 10.30am and 3pm on Friday, police said in a statement on Sunday night.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.

(AU News Yahoo - April 24, 2017)

United Kingdom: Puppy mill breeders Louise St John Poulton, 43, and Sean Kerr, 52, banned for life from owning dogs

UNITED KINGDOM -- A puppy farmer who bred sick and dying animals in squalid conditions with her boyfriend has been banned from keeping dogs for life.

Louise St John Poulton, 43, and Sean Kerr, 52, sold the poorly animals to unsuspecting customers on the internet.

The cruel pair ran the commercial farm in Bickenhill, West Mids - where puppies lived in “hellish” conditions.

Horrified RSPCA officials found one dead puppy stuffed inside a plastic bag at the premises.

Kerr is already serving a six-month prison sentence after admitting a string of animal cruelty offences .

His partner pleaded guilty to six counts of causing unnecessary suffering to dogs.

 

Poulton also admitted three offences of failing to meet the needs of a number of dogs at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court .

She was given a lifetime ban from keeping dogs and handed a 22-week suspended prison term.

Poulton, from St Albans, Herts, was also ordered to pay prosecution costs of £15,000.

The couple sold the sick and dying Shi Tzu and Pug puppies for up to £400 to dog lovers on the internet.

 

RSPCA inspectors found 37 dogs suffering from skin conditions and hypothermia after being left in pitch black darkness.

The Shih Tzu, Pug, Bichon Frise, Cockapoo, Schnauzer, Westie and Chihuahua puppies were found to be underweight.

Some of them were suffering from the potentially deadly parvovirus and other ailments.

One female pup was left with a broken hip for a month and others were living on floors coated with feces.

Four dogs, three of whom were pregnant, were found locked in a dark outbuilding on the filthy farm.

The dogs were sold online and an investigation launched after buyers contacted the RSPCA when their dogs died from parvovirus.

 

Police and animal welfare officers raided the premises, known as Pastures Farm, in December 2015.

RSPCA inspector Herchy Boal said: “The dogs were being kept in disgusting conditions and were absolutely terrified. All of the dogs were petrified. The minute you touched them they froze from fear.”

(Mirror UK - April 3, 2017)

United Kingdom: ‘It was determined to finish my dog off’: Warning after terrifying attack on pet at Chapel St Leonards

UNITED KINGDOM -- A Westie owner from Chapel St Leonards has described a terrifying attack by a Pit Bull-type dog that has left his pet fighting for its life.

Nine-year-old Charlie was almost home after his teatime walk on Saturday when the dog pounced on him and grabbed him by his neck.

Charlie’s owner, Derek Wood, said: “We had just got through the entrance to the Sandy Acre Chalet Site when this Pit Bull-type dog jumped on Charlie and got his mouth round his neck.

“I got down on the floor to get the dog off and the owner managed to get the dog but it broke free and attacked again.

“I got Charlie away and at one point had my hand was in the Pit Bull’s mouth to keep him off.

“We managed to get through my gate but the dog was still jumping up at the fence.

"If it had been a child walking their dog they could have been killed" - Derek Wood, owner of attacked dog

“Then it managed to get over the fence and was jumping up at my chalet window. It was determined to finish Charlie off.”

Mr Wood said he called the police but the dog and its owner were gone before they arrived.

He said: “The dog’s owner had the cheek to ask me if I had a spare lead.

“Charlie was covered in blood - that attack must have gone on for 10 minutes. It was terrifying.”

Charlie was taken to the emergency vet at Spilsby. Mr Wood said: “Charlie has two or three deep puncture wounds in his neck and has a drain in. He didn’t have a good night and we are taking him back to the vet later today.

“But he’s being very brave. He can’t jump up like he usually does but he wants to walk.”

Mr Wood and his wife, Susan, have had Charlie since he was six weeks old.

“We would be lost without him. This has really upset us,” said Mr Wood.

“We want to warn anyone walking their dog in the area to be vigilant if they see the dog. If it had been a child walking their dog they could have been killed.”

The Pit Bull-type dog has been described as plain lightish brown. If anyone has any information that could help police find the owner, call 101, quoting incident 360.

(Skegness Standard - March 14, 2017)

United Kingdom: ISPCA 2016 report reveals numerous cases of animal cruelty and suffering - yet not one single person spent one single day in jail

UNITED KINGDOM -- THE Irish Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) NATIONAL Animal Cruelty Helpline has received over 53,000 calls since the Animal Health and Welfare Act (AHWA) came into force three years ago on 6 March 2014.

ISPCA inspectors have carried out 11,065 investigations and over 2,795 animals were seized or surrendered. A total of 92 prosecutions have been initiated, 25 of which have been finalised in court to-date.

The ISPCA launched their 2016 Inspectorate Report today which outlines the animal cruelty prosecutions initiated by the ISPCA which were finalised in the courts in 2016.

The report reveals that 16,312 calls were made to the National Animal Cruelty Helpline resulting in over 3,200 investigations where 995 animals were seized or surrendered.

Here are just some of the cases outlined in the report:

Date: Wednesday 3rd March 2016.
Court: Carlow District Court.
Defendant: Male, 20’s.
Summary:
The ISPCA visited a property in December 2014 in Co. Wicklow following a complaint from a member of the public regarding a horse. An aged bay thoroughbred gelding was discovered living on lands littered with hazardous materials. The horse was in very poor body condition and was suffering with long, cracked hooves, a swelling on its face, and discharge from its nose. The horse was seized and veterinary examinations revealed a chronic infection likely as a result of a mass growing in the sinus. The horse was euthanized on humane grounds to avoid further suffering.
Legislation: Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.
Conviction: Failing to safeguard the health and welfare of a horse.
Sentence: Fined €500, ordered to make a contribution of €500 to the ISPCA and to pay €600 in state costs. NO JAIL TIME.

Date: Tuesday 22nd March 2016.
Court: Mallow District Court.
Defendant: Male, 50’s.
Summary:
In February 2015 the ISPCA discovered a number of malnourished dogs living in unsuitable conditions at a property in Mallow, Co. Cork. Four husky puppies were confined to a filthy pen with no access to food or water or to clean, dry bedding. A female husky was chained in a disused building and living in a dark, dirty area with no access to food or water. The five dogs were seized and transported for veterinary assessment. The four puppies were found to be extremely lethargic, with one in critical condition for several days. The female
husky was severely dehydrated and discovered to be in the late stages of pregnancy and produced six puppies within five days of her rescue. All of the dogs were surrendered to the care of the ISPCA and were responsibly re-homed.
Legislation: Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.
Conviction: Causing unnecessary suffering to dogs.
Sentence: Fined €500 and ordered to pay €750 in costs. NO JAIL TIME.

Date: Friday 22nd April 2016.
Court: Navan District Court.
Defendant: Female, 20’s.
Summary:
The ISPCA visited a property in Co. Meath on 4th and 5th of November 2014 following a complaint about two Rottweiler dogs. Two male Rottweilers were discovered living in filthy conditions and with inadequate shelter with no access to food or water, and both were emaciated. The two dogs were surrendered to the care of the ISPCA and were subsequently responsibly re-homed. The accused pled guilty in court to failing to safeguard the welfare of the dogs and was fined and disqualified from keeping dogs for two years.
Legislation: Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.
Conviction: Failure to safeguard the welfare of two Rottweiler dogs.
Sentence: Fined €500 and disqualified from keeping dogs for two years. NO JAIL TIME.

Date: Friday 20th May 2016.
Court: Navan District Court.
Defendant: Male, 50’s.
Summary:
The ISPCA was contacted by a veterinary practitioner following an examination of a six year old female golden Labrador. The dog was emaciated and barely able to walk due to abscesses on her fore-leg, and was suffering with a severe chronic skin condition over the entire lower half of her body resulting in complete hair loss, thickening of the skin and infection. The dog was surrendered to the care of the ISPCA and was humanely euthanized
on veterinary advice to prevent further suffering.
Legislation: Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.
Conviction: Causing unnecessary suffering to a dog.
Sentence: Three month suspended sentence (bound to keep the peace on his own bond of €250), handed €1,000 in cash into court for a local charity and legal costs awarded to the prosecution. NO JAIL TIME.

Date: Tuesday 12th July 2016.
Court: Waterford Circuit Court.
Defendant: Male, 40’s.
Summary:
On 5th March 2015 a visit was made to a property in Kilmacthomas, Co. Waterford where three greyhounds were discovered in poor condition. The three greyhounds were initially seized and transported to a vet for assessment. One dog was emaciated and suffering with open wounds on her front and hind legs and thigh areas caused by untreated pressure sores and was euthanized on welfare grounds following veterinary advice. The other two dogs were also underweight and suffering with pressure sores, high temperatures and one
required treatment for fleas. The dogs were surrendered to the care of the Waterford SPCA by the accused, who later pleaded guilty in court.
Legislation: Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.
Conviction: Causing unnecessary suffering to dogs.
Sentence: Adjourned (awaiting probation report) until October 2017

Date: Monday 18th July 2016.
Court: Waterford District Court.
Defendant: Male, 60’s.
Summary:
On 23rd October 2015 a visit was made to a home in Co. Waterford following a complaint received about a dog kept in a shed. An eight year old female West Highland Terrier dog was discovered with a horrific untreated skin condition. Following a veterinary examination it was determined that the chronic inflammation to her skin and ears could have developed over a four year period. She was also suffering with a flea infestation, matted coat and blocked ear canals. Unfortunately the dog was also diagnosed with cancer while in the care of the Waterford SPCA and was humanely euthanized based on veterinary advice.
Legislation: Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.
Conviction: Failing to safeguard the welfare of an animal and causing unnecessary suffering.
Sentence: Fined €1,000 and ordered to pay €765.37 in costs and veterinary care. NO JAIL TIME.

Date: Monday 3rd October 2016.
Court: Mallow District Court.
Defendant: Female, 60’s.
Summary:
In 2015 an ISPCA Inspector visited a property in Charleville Co. Cork where two dogs were discovered living in poor condition with contaminated bowls and no access to food or water. A German Shepherd dog was kept in a filthy outdoor pen with no access to food or water, and was very underweight. A female dog was also discovered living in a second area covered in feces with no access to food or water, and suffering with growths and severely overgrown nails. Both dogs were removed from the property and transported for veterinary assessment. The Labrador was in extremely poor health and was euthanized on welfare grounds following veterinary advice. The other dog was rehabilitated and has been responsibly re-homed.
Legislation: Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.
Conviction: Failing to provide food and clean drinking water.
Sentence: Fined €300 for offences relating to contaminated bowls and lack of water to the German Shepherd dog. NO JAIL TIME.

Date: Tuesday 4th October 2016.
Court: Letterkenny District Court.
Defendant: Male, 60’s.
Summary:
In February and March 2014, an ISPCA Inspector visited a property in Donegal and discovered a number of serious animal welfare issues. Among the animals found were a donkey too weak to stand, two emaciated calves, and an emaciated pony which could not bear weight on one of her fore-legs. These animals had to be euthanized onsite on welfare grounds following veterinary advice, and a further seven ponies were surrendered to the care of the ISPCA. The defendant had 25 previous convictions for animal related offences, and was ordered to dispose of all the animals on the property.
Legislation: European Communities (Welfare of Farmed Animals) Regulations 2010.
Conviction: Causing unnecessary suffering.
Sentence: Three month suspended sentence and ordered to pay €250 in ISPCA costs. NO JAIL TIME.

ISPCA CEO Dr Andrew Kelly said, “The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 which came into force three years ago was a significant step forward for animal welfare in Ireland, but like any legislation it is only as good as its enforcement.

Our Inspectors became authorized officers under the AHWA in May 2014 and since then have used their statutory powers effectively to deal with animal neglect, cruelty and abuse.

“In 2016 alone, our inspectors initiated 32 prosecutions and saw 15 finalized in court with successful conclusions.”

Kelly added, “We currently only have eight inspectors covering 17 counties. Our resources are stretched to breaking point and we need more inspectors on the ground dealing with animal cruelty.

“Our aim is to recruit enough inspectors to cover the whole of the country and we would like to appeal to the animal loving public to help us with this work.”

(Journal IE - March 7, 2017)

Oregon: "It was the most horrible and traumatic experience I can ever remember" says woman after she and her dog attacked by a pit bull

OREGON -- Tristin Hardy posted on Facebook January 19, 2017

Little Winston and I were attacked by a pit bull last Sunday. It's a miracle that Winston is not only alive but should make a full recovery. I also came away with "only" bad scrapes, bruises, bitten through the finger and nail and sore neck and back.

It was the most horrible and traumatic experience I can ever remember.

Poor little Winston has a bad case of whip lash and back pain, puncture wounds, abrasions, and lots of missing hair. He is on 5 medications but getting better every day. He will get chiropractic work when he has healed more. The pit bull had Winston's head and shoulders in her mouth.

We were out for our morning 3 mile walk/jog in a decent neighborhood. The dog came at us from a few houses away. I scooped Winston up but the dog knocked me down and grabbed Winston with me in the middle, twice.

I am so very thankful that the Angels were looking out for us and we got away. It's been a tough week but so glad we are alive and on the mend. Horrific as it was, the outcome is the closest thing to a miracle I have personally experienced.

MaryLynn Huckeba - Wow! Hope you called animal control. Could you imagine if that would have happened to a kid walking a dog? Hope you both get well soon!

Kristy Temple Drum - omgosh!! So sorry! I am so glad you are on the mend! How traumatic and awful....cannot understand why folks want dogs like this! What if you were a child walking by??

Joan McClellan - So sorry this happened to you and Winston! After a similar experience with a neighbors pit bull many years ago, attacking my horses in their stalls and my cat, I still have flashbacks.. Horses survived with most of their nostrils torn to pieces, the cat didn't.

Tristin Hardy - Ugh, that's awful

Ginger Endreson - So sorry, very scary !! So glad you will both be ok!!!

Gail Bott - Been there with my old dog & a young pit that jumped fence. I kept her @ bay with my outstretched foot but all if a sudden she went for my old dog. Had him down & mouth @ his throat in seconds. I dropped my other dogs leash & grabbed pit by scruff of neck. Thankfully owner heard what was happening & got her from me. After a full exam by me, my dog seemed ok except for all of us being shaken.

An hr later i was rubbing his neck & found blood. Took to vet. Here that fast she had torn open his neck but internally more than externally so i couldn't see the wound. Closed the wound & antibiotics.

He recovered but I could have lost my dog that day. Lived in neighborhood for 15 yrs & always walked my dogs & child. A very child populated neighborhood!! This was a new neighbor. Had to call police to get her to pay vet bill. Smh

Tristin Hardy - I'm glad it turned out ok

Kentucky: Woman beats two pit bulls with a crowbar to save her Westies. Unfortunately, Maci didn't survive.

KENTUCKY -- Pam Carpenter Melton posted on Facebook January 1, 2017 ·

I just lost my baby girl Maci, I am so heartbroken, she and my other westie Baxter were attacked by two large pit bulls tonight about 10:30

I did everything I could to save them, I was kicking those dogs and hitting them with a crow bar, but I couldn't save Maci, I was screaming and a neighbor came with a gun, he shot at both of them and hopefully hit one 

so I rushed them to the emergency hospital, Maci was in such critical condition, they just called me and she didn't make it

my poor baby girl, I loved her so much, she was 11 yrs old, and I am so heartbroken, mommy is so sorry she couldn't save you, I love you baby girl, RIP, my little angel girl, this was the worst experience of my life, I'll never get over it..... I'll love you forever!

David McCoy - I'm so sorry Pam. That is awful.

Tambi Sweet - I'm so sorry. I loved Maci. She was so sweet!

People try to say that pit bulls aren't dangerous and it's how they're raised but that is complete bs. I was attacked by two and they were trying to get to Traven who was an infant at the time. The dogs' family were very loving and had a toddler. Kate has also been bitten by one.

Pam Carpenter Melton - I'll never get over hearing her screaming, I'm devastated

Tambi Sweet - It's been almost 19yrs since I was attacked and I literally freeze in place completely petrified if I see one. Even from a distance. I can hear their growls and barks and feel their hot breaths on my skin. I nearly faint at the thought.

I know how you feel and I will be praying for you Aunt Pam. I'm just so grateful they weren't able to get Traven. They'd have killed him, no doubt.

  

 

Virginia: One Westie mauled to death, the other clinging to life after being mauled by two pit bulls

VIRGINIA -- One dog was killed and another injured after two loose pit bulls attacked them while they were walking with their owner Sunday evening, police said.

Police responded to Wedgewood Drive after receiving a complaint about three dogs running at large in the neighborhood, James City County Police spokeswoman Stephanie Williams said.

Police were told that two of the loose dogs, both females, had attacked two West Highland White terriers that were walking with their owner. The third at-large dog, which is a mixed breed and was not identified as a pit bull, did not participate in the attack, Williams said.

After the attack, the two dogs were taken to an emergency vet clinic, where one died, she said.

The second terrier was still under a veterinarian’s care Wednesday afternoon.

When police arrived, witnesses familiar with the dogs said they were owned by two people on Centerville Road, Williams said.

Animal control responded to the owner’s house and seized the two pit bulls, which were identified by a witness as the dogs that attacked the two terriers, Williams said.

The third dog was not seized by animal control and remains at the home, Williams said.

The owner told police the dogs had gotten out of the fence.

Charges are pending against two people who own the dogs. Between them, there are two dangerous dog charges and three dog at-large charges, Williams said. The owners have not been served yet.

The two accused dogs are being held at the Heritage Humane Society, separated from other shelter animals, Williams said.

(WY Daily - Dec 14, 2016)

United Kingdom: Paul Bourke's German Shepherds chased, attacked and mauled Westie named Molly to death in her own yard

UNITED KINGDOM -- A man whose German Shepherds mauled and killed a neighbor's pet the day before he was due to be forced to leave the home has been given a stay of execution after he lodged an appeal.

Paul Bourke of Thornton, Kilsallaghan was ordered by Judge Dermot Dempsey at Swords District Court to have the two dogs 'destroyed within five days' after he found in favor of the complainant Andrea Sheridan, that the dogs did kill her West Highland Terrier Molly, after Mr Bourke's father John let the dogs out of their pens and enclosed area.

However, last Wednesday morning, through his counsel Bernard Stobie, Mr Bourke requested to seek a stay on the order until an appeal has been dealt with in a different court.

'There is a right of appeal there and the court should allow my client to appeal the judgement. In the event of no stay on the order then an appeal cannot be lodged,' explained Mr Stobie.

Ms Sheridan's solicitor David Stafford said there may be a clarity on the order needed.

'But the evidence given in court was clear and the court decided on the order on a balance of convenience to society (Ms Sheridan) versus the dog owner,' said Mr Stafford. 'A colleague in a higher court will be faced with the same facts and the same decision in favor of Ms Sheridan.'

Judge Dempsey said while he agreed with what Mr Stafford had said, he said 'my hands are tied.'

He fixed recognisances for an appeal to be lodged and granted a stay of seven days on the original order made that the dogs be destroyed within five days.

At a hearing in Swords last week, the court heard that Andrea Sheridan's beloved six year old West Highland Terrier Molly was mutilated and killed by the 'restricted breed' dogs in September in front of her after the dogs owner, Paul Bourke's father John, let the five dogs out of their pens.

Andrea's ten year old Labrador Torres was also injured in the vicious attack by the German Shepherds, which are used for breeding.

Judge Dermot Dempsey described the incident as a 'malicious act' and found the two German Shepherds to be 'dangerous'. He ordered both dogs to be destroyed within five days, after hearing the case at Swords District Court.

He said it 'was more than a coincidence' the dogs were let out of their kennels - the day before Paul Bourke, of Thornton, Kilsallaghan, was given to vacate the house he is renting from Ms Sheridan's partner Stephen Madigan's mother following an order made by the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB).

A Determination Order secured by the owner of the house Marie Madigan on June 21 and issued to Paul Bourke stated he was served a notice of termination on November 11, 2015 and that he was to vacate the house within 90 days of the issue of the Determination Order, meaning he had until September 21 to vacate the house.

He is still living at the house.

Ms Sheridan brought the court proceedings against the two Bourkes under Section 22 of the Control of Dogs Act.

She said on September 20 at 6pm while she was changing her newborn son's nappy in the front room she heard a commotion outside.

'Dogs were banging off the back door and barking like mad. My ten year old Labrador Torres and Molly were outside and I could see the two German Shepherds were attacking Torres. I didn't see Molly so I went out the front to call her. Two German Shepherds then chased Molly from the back garden to the front. Molly tried to get in the front door and then the two German Shepherds came after her and tried to get in too.

'I was so afraid the German Shepherds were going to get into my house as my newborn was on the floor in the sitting room so I had to close the door on the German Shepherds.'

Molly did not make it into the house and Andrea witnessed the two German Shepherds 'pulling Molly apart, viciously mauling her to death.'

She said she ran upstairs with her newborn and started to throw large objects out the window to get the dogs away from Molly.

Screaming hysterically, she shouted at John Bourke, who was standing in the front garden next door, to help her and call the dogs away.

'He just looked at me and smirked at me,' said Andrea.

She said a neighbour who lives close by heard her screams and came to her home. 'The German Shepherds scarpered then and poor Molly was just lying there. There was blood everywhere,' she said.

John Bourke, from Oak Lawn, Royal Oak in Santry, told the court he was minding the dogs for 10 days and admitted he let the dogs out of the pens in the garden which he claimed was 'enclosed.'.

He denied hearing Andrea scream and claimed he 'didn't see anything'.

When asked by prosecuting solicitor David Stafford if the German Shepherds that killed Molly were his son Paul's, he replied 'I don't think they were the dogs I was in control of.'

Paul Bourke told the court he's a dog breeder for 15 to 20 years and has been residing in Thornton, Kilsallaghan since 2010, next door to Ms Sheridan.

He said the German Shepherds are kept in individual pens and he has a larger pen for them to run in.

He said it's 'not possible' the dogs escaped into Ms Sheridan's garden. 'I am not the only person in Kilsallaghan who owns German Shepherds,' he said. He claimed his dogs are 'well socialised and well mannered.'

He admitted there has been animosity between him and the family next door.

Judge Dempsey accepted the evidence of Ms Sheridan and said the 'defendants' evidence was totally unreliable.'

'It's more than a coincidence it was a malicious act, the day before Mr Bourke was ordered to move from the house by the PRTB decision,' said Judge Dempsey.

He made an order for the two German Shepherds to be brought to a dog warden within five days to be destroyed.

(Fingal Independent - Dec 9, 2016)

United Kingdom: Marie Richards and Steven Richards have been banned from owning dogs for 10 years after leaving their Westie mix to suffer

UNITED KINGDOM -- Marie Richards and Steven Richards claimed Charlie, a West Highland terrier-cross, just had a small bite wound on his leg.

But when the RSPCA found his femur was snapped in half, they admitted Mr Richards had fallen on Charlie but CLAIMED they had no money to take him to the vets.

Hmm, but they had money for cigarettes, beer, soda, food for themselves...

The pair, from Stoke-on-Trent, were each given a 12-month community order (aka probation).

Marie Richards, 48, and her 51-year-old husband were convicted of causing unnecessary suffering at North Staffordshire Justice Centre. They were also also ordered to each carry out 100 hours of unpaid work.

The RSPCA said it became involved after being alerted by a member of the public who was concerned about the Charlie's welfare.

Inspector Charlotte Melvin, said it had been obvious the dog's injury was more serious than the couple had said.

"Charlie was on three legs and couldn't put any weight on his fourth leg," she said.

"When we took him to the vet an x-ray revealed that his femur was completely snapped in half an injury that was consistent with the force of being hit by a car."

The couple, from Triner Place, said they had given him paracetamol and thought he was okay because "he was still wagging his tail".

But a vet said Charlie would have suffered excruciating pain from the injury, which was at least a week old, Ms Melvin said.

"Charlie has since been successfully re-homed and is "very happy", she added.

(BBC - Nov 4, 2016)

United Kingdom: Woman and her Westie injured after being attacked by pit bull in Bulwell; police searching for woman who fled with the dog named Kilo after the attack

UNITED KINGDOM -- Valerie Simpson, of Bulwell, spent two days in hospital after her three-year-old West Highland White Terrier, Charlie, was attacked at about 11.30am last Thursday, October 27.

She explained that the dog who attacked hers, which was called Kilo, was running loose and not on a leash and went "straight for poor Charlie's jugular".

Ms Simpson, 67, said she was sure Charlie was going to die, but said Kilo's owner did nothing to intervene, and didn't leave her contact details.

Paul Toon, Ms Simpson's neighbor, heard the commotion, which was taking place in a nearby alleyway, from his back garden.

He said: "I could hear a lady screaming, 'I can't get it off, it won't let go'. My heart sank because it sounded really bad."

Mr Toon, 37, said that he then ran into his kitchen to get a bottle of water and a sweeping brush, in case he needed to strike the attacking animal.

When he got to the scene a few moments later, he saw Ms Simpson lying on the floor, her glasses strewn to the side, and Charlie pinned down by a  Staffordshire / pit bull type of dog.

"I poured the bottle of water over the dog's head, shouted for it to let go, grabbed it by the scruff of the neck and yanked it off," said Mr Toon, a part-time transport warehouse worker.

He then told Ms Simpson to go home with Charlie.

"I've known Val and her two daughters for years," Mr Toon said. "I have dogs as well, so we met dog-walking."

He went on to explain that while he eventually managed to put a harness on the other dog, the owner was "hysterical", and quick to leave the scene once an older man came to pick her up.

"It was clear she didn't want to leave her phone number, as she was probably afraid her dog would be put to sleep," he added.

As a result of the attack - which took place in an alleyway linking Wingborne Walk and Naomi Crescent - Ms Simpson has had to undergo multiple operations on both of her hands, and has lost the tip of her finger.

She has so far spent over £740 on vet's bills, and Charlie is likely to need additional operations, even though he is slowly recovering.

WOMAN FLED WITH PIT BULL AFTER THE ATTACK
Nottinghamshire Police are appealing to the public for information about the Staffordshire pit bull terrier / pit bull type-dog and its owner..

A statement on the police website reads: "The tan-colored dog, of muscular build, was not on a lead when it attacked the terrier.

"The owner is described as a white woman, aged between 25 and 30 with long blonde hair and wearing light-colored summer clothing and trainers (tennis shoes). Officers think her dog's name is Kilo."

Anyone with any information about the incident should call Nottinghamshire Police on 101 quoting incident 124 of Friday 28 October.

(Nottinghamshire Post - Oct 28, 2016)

New Jersey: Westie attacked by pit bull at park; pit bull owners grabbed dog and ran off

NEW JERSEY -- "My babysitters little pup was attacked by a white pit bull in Laurel Acres Park today. If anyone has seen this dog at the park before, please let me know. They are trying to find the owners who fled the scene. Lousy dog owners like this are what give these dogs a bad name. It's so not fair!!!"

"This is a shot in the dark, but if anyone knows a white guy and Asian girl that own a white pit bull with a little black in it that goes to Laurel Acres Park, please let me know!"

 

 

   

Montana: Nearly 130 dogs removed from Larry Latzke and Nadine Latzke LDR kennels as part of criminal court plea agreement

MONTANA -- More than 100 dogs are on their way to new homes after Lake County sheriff's deputies and animal rescue groups took them from a puppy mill in the Mission Valley.

"This is the best day of my life. I got the call, I got a little nauseous and then I got to work," said Lynette Duford of Life Savers Animal Rescue.

 

 

It was a day Duford had waited for. Car after car pulled into the driveway of LDR Kennels north of Saint Ignatius Friday afternoon, bringing crates to take more than 100 dogs away.

Larry and Nadine Latzke lost ownership of the dogs in deal with Lake County prosecutors after the couple was charged with aggravated animal cruelty back in July.

The case began when a judge granted a search warrant for LDR kennels. Sheriff's deputies took 11 dogs away -- those with extremely matted fur, rotten teeth and or bad skin conditions..

 

 

Most had never touched the ground, living the lives in small, crowded wire cages. All but four of those dogs were returned to the Latzkes. But on Friday, they were all leaving.

"A long drawn out prosecution would have taken a considerable amount of time, so with the resources in mind, this was the quickest resolution to the matter," said Lake County Undersheriff Ben Woods.

The Sheriff's Office  says most of the dogs are chipped so that will be used as animal teams catalog them, identify their breed and get them vet care before the next step of adoption.

"They are very stressed right now; it's a stressful situation even though we are in there getting them out so we're trying to be conscious of that and go slow," Duford said.

“These are not healthy dogs by any stretch of the imagination. They’re sick, they have skin infections, they have poor nutrition and they are stressed,” said Duford, “I don’t know if they’re vaccinated because he refused to show us any records.”

Because the dogs have no vaccination records, Life Savers is treating them as if they have never been vaccinated.

Duford said they have rotten teeth, paws that are sensitive from being forced to stand on chicken wire their entire life, low muscle tone, and skin conditions. Some females have mammary tumors and a number of dogs are currently pregnant.

“The challenge that we are having right now, is we put little bowls of water in for them and they just dump them. They’ve never had a bowl of water, they don’t know how to drink out of the bowl of water, they are only used to the little rabbit water feeders that hang n the cage because they all had automatic water-ers at the kennels,” said Duford, “So now we’re scrambling to find the little rabbit water feeders so that they can do what they know and what they’re used to and make sure they stay hydrated.”

The dogs have never had a bed and when given on for the first time, had no idea what to do with it. Many of the dogs chose to sleep on the ground next to their beds because it is what they are used to.

The Latzke's are allowed to keep six personal dogs but must have them spayed and neutered. It's part of a 10 year agreement with prosecutors who will dismissed the charges against them if they comply.

The dogs are heading to four different locations -- in Polson, Missoula and Bigfork.

We will let you know more about the adoption process once that's figured out. Life Savers Animal Rescue says it could use donations to care for the more than 100 dogs. Click here to help out.

(KPAX - Aug 27, 2016)

Earlier:

• Montana: Lake County Deputy refuses to take no for answer from puppy mill operators Larry and Nadine Latzke; gets search warrant and saves animals
• Montana: One person's experience from buying one of Larry and Nadine Latzke's puppy mill dogs
• Montana: Consumers complaints about Larry and Nadine Latzke (LDR Kennels) go back YEARS
• Montana: Puppy mill owners Larry and Nadine Latzke of LDR Kennels appear in court amid demonstrators
• Montana: Larry Latzke, Nadine Latzke agree to 10 years probation, will surrender all their puppy mill dogs and puppies