Dog home boss mauled by rescued American bulldog SUES charity for £200k

The Sun

3 days ago

A DOG home boss is suing for more than £200,000 after being savaged by a rescued American Bulldog in a violent attack at a rehoming centre.
Karla Haines, 34, says she was left traumatised and permanently scarred after the Bulldog , named Jester, suddenly latched onto her arm and wouldn't let go during an incident at a Dogs Trust rehoming centre.
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The horror unfolded at the charity's Harefield site in west London, where Ms Haines was working as assistant operations manager.
She had been called in to help deal with the misbehaving rescue dog when the shocking attack happened on 3 July 2021.
Despite requesting that the dog be put on a lead, court papers say Jester – described as a 'fierce and mischievous' American Bulldog cross – sank its teeth into her right arm, causing multiple puncture wounds and lasting nerve damage.
Ms Haines, who holds a degree in animal behaviour and welfare, says the injuries have left her with long-term sensitivity in her arm and PTSD-like symptoms, including anxiety and flashbacks.
She is now taking legal action against her former employer, claiming Dogs Trust failed to properly manage and restrain the aggressive animal, despite being aware of the risks.
Her lawyers argue the dog should have been kept in a secure area or tied to a fixed lead point to prevent attacks on staff.
The Harefield centre, which is set in 16 acres of countryside, houses up to 150 dogs at a time in swanky kennels fitted with underfloor heating, exercise paddocks and a sensory garden.
But behind the scenes, Ms Haines alleges that safety protocols were not followed — and that she was effectively exposed to danger in the line of duty.
Court documents state: 'The dog is and was of a fierce and mischievous disposition and/or was likely, unless restrained, to bite anyone on the defendant's premises or to cause severe injury when defending what it regarded as its own territory.'
Although Dogs Trust has admitted a breach of duty through its insurers, the charity disputes the full amount of damages being claimed and says the extent of Ms Haines' injuries are 'not admitted'.
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The Trust also insists that Ms Haines was on Jester's 'safe list' — a group of approved staff members considered capable of handling the animal without issue.
In a legal response, their solicitor Chrissie Paphitis said: 'It is averred that Jester had been placed on a lead prior to the claimant entering the compound.
'It is admitted that Jester nevertheless grabbed onto the claimant's arm and bit her.'
But she added: 'No admissions are made in respect of causation, and the claimant is put to strict proof in relation to any and all allegations of loss and damage.'
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Which dog breeds are illegal in the UK?
People tend to think of large, vicious dogs when they imagine being bitten by one.
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These are an XL Bully, Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Brasileiro.
Ms Haines' legal team originally valued the claim at around £60,000, but this has since ballooned to more than £200,000 as the extent of her physical and psychological injuries became clearer.
A judge at a brief pre-trial hearing earlier this month confirmed the full trial will go ahead unless a settlement is reached before then.
It's understood the case is being closely watched by other animal welfare professionals, who say it raises serious concerns about staff safety when working with rescue dogs that may have violent histories.
Dogs Trust, which was founded in 1891, is the UK's largest dog welfare charity and rehomes thousands of dogs each year. It has not commented publicly on the legal claim.
The court will now decide whether Ms Haines is entitled to the full amount she's seeking — or whether the payout will be reduced.
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