Latest news with #AmericanBulldog
Otago Daily Times
08-07-2025
- Otago Daily Times
Stolen ute leads cops to pilfered puppy
Police returned the American bulldog puppy to its owner. File photo: Getty Images A stolen ute spotted being driven in Dunedin led police to a stolen American bulldog puppy. Police yesterday arrested a 31-year-old man seen behind the wheel of a Mitsubishi Ute allegedly stolen earlier in the day, Senior Sergeant Anthony Bond, of Dunedin, said. The man was forbidden from driving and was charged for receiving stolen property and driving without a licence. As a result of the arrest, police also located an American Bulldog puppy that had been stolen on July 2. Police returned the puppy to its rightful owners. The man also received a charge for the theft of the dog, Snr Sgt Bond said. He would appear in Dunedin District Court today.
Daily Mirror
02-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Mum told 999 son, 3, had been 'ripped to pieces' after dog attack at farm
Daniel Twigg, three, died after being attacked by two dogs at a farm in Rochdale, Greater Manchester. His parents Mark Twigg and Joanne Bedford are now on trial A mum told a 999 operator that her three-year-old son had been "ripped to pieces" after being attacked by two dogs at a farm, a court has heard. Daniel Twigg suffered "severe damage" to his neck in the incident on May 15, 2022, jurors were told. The court heard the little boy had "suffered massive internal and likely plentiful external bleeding" and later died from his injuries. The child entered a pen before being attacked by two dogs named Sid and Tiny, weighing around 50kg each, prosecutors said. The child's parents, Mark Twigg and Joanne Bedford, from Radcliffe, Greater Manchester, both deny manslaughter and offences under the Dangerous Dog Act. They are now on trial at Manchester Crown Court. Jurors previously heard Mr Twigg and Ms Bedford had a "long association" with Carr Farm on Tunshill Lane, Rochdale, which belonged to Daniel's godfather, Matthew Brown. The court was told that Mr Twigg was an "odd job man" and worked for Mr Brown. Jurors were told it was agreed Mr Twigg and Ms Bedford would live there to tend to the animals by "feeding them, watering them and ensuring that their living conditions were acceptable," it was said. There were a variety of dog breeds on the property including an American Bulldog, German Shepherd and Tibetan Mastiff, the jury heard. Yesterday, jurors were shown CCTV of the incident in which Daniel was seen entering the pen where he was attacked. Prosecutor John Elvidge KC said: "He was only in view for a few seconds before he disappeared at the same time as the sudden and persistent activity in the adjacent pen, when Ted [a German Shepherd] was aroused by the attack on Daniel. "It was almost 20 minutes later, at 1.09 pm that Joanne Bedford telephoned for an ambulance saying 'the dog just killed him... he's ripped him to pieces.' The paramedics arrived at Carr Farm at 1.23pm, less than 15 minutes after the emergency call was made." Daniel went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital. He sadly died hours later, the court heard. The prosecutor said while the circumstances around the attack are unclear, the boy was "alone and unsupervised at the time and able to enter the yard." Pathologist Dr Phillip Lumb recorded the medical cause of death as "head and neck injuries (dog bites)." The court heard one of the dogs, Sid, was shot at the scene by dog handlers, with a post-mortem examination showing the animal hadn't eaten for 12 to 24 hours before he was shot. Greater Manchester Police analyst Charlotte McKnee said the force received a number of calls and police logs of incidents relating to the dogs. Defence counsel Andrew Thomas KC, representing Mr Twigg, said: "You must be sure of truly exceptionally bad negligence. You must be sure of a serious and obvious risk of death, not just a risk of biting. "Sid and Tiny were not their dogs. They only came to live there after a breakdown in relationship and Mr Brown being arrested. Daniel was not free to wander into the pen. To open the pen it was necessary to reach through the gate and slide the bolt across. Mr Twigg was not there when Daniel was killed. He left for work four hours earlier and left him in the care of his mother." Twigg and Bedford deny the offences. The trial continues.
Scottish Sun
01-07-2025
- Scottish Sun
Dog home boss mauled by rescued American bulldog SUES charity for £200k
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) 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. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Ms Haines alleges that safety protocols were not followed — and that she was effectively exposed to danger in the line of duty Credit: Champion News Service 4 The horror unfolded at the charity's Harefield site in west London, where Ms Haines was working as assistant operations manager Credit: Dogs Trust 4 The court will now decide whether Ms Haines is entitled to the full amount she's seeking — or whether the payout will be reduced Credit: Dogs Trust 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'. Veterinarian Reveals the Worst Dog Breeds to Own 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.' Which dog breeds are banned in the UK? THERE are specific regulations in place that prohibit certain dog breeds from being owned or bred in the UK. So what are the illegal dogs in the UK and why are they illegal? Here's what we know. Which dog breeds are illegal in the UK? People tend to think of large, vicious dogs when they imagine being bitten by one. But the truth is that many types of dogs are known to bite humans, whether provoked or not. However, it's important to remember that just because a breed tends to bite humans, that doesn't mean that they all do. British law determines five breeds of dog are illegal to own, breed, sell or give away. 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.
The Irish Sun
01-07-2025
- The Irish Sun
Dog home boss mauled by rescued American bulldog SUES charity for £200k
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. 4 Ms Haines alleges that safety protocols were not followed — and that she was effectively exposed to danger in the line of duty Credit: Champion News Service 4 The horror unfolded at the charity's Harefield site in west London, where Ms Haines was working as assistant operations manager Credit: Dogs Trust 4 The court will now decide whether Ms Haines is entitled to the full amount she's seeking — or whether the payout will be reduced Credit: Dogs Trust The horror unfolded at the charity's Harefield site in She had been called in to help deal with the misbehaving Despite requesting that the dog be put on a lead, court papers say Jester – described as a 'fierce and mischievous' 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 Read more News 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. Most read in The Sun 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'. Veterinarian Reveals the Worst Dog Breeds to Own 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.' Which dog breeds are banned in the UK? THERE are specific regulations in place that prohibit certain dog breeds from being owned or bred in the UK. So what are the Which dog breeds are illegal in the UK? People tend to think of large, vicious dogs when they imagine being bitten by one. But the truth is that many types of dogs are known to bite humans, whether provoked or not. However, it's important to remember that just because a breed tends to bite humans, that doesn't mean that they all do. British law determines five breeds of dog are illegal to own, breed, sell or give away. 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. 4 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 Credit: Champion News Service
Daily Mirror
01-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Parents of boy, 3, killed by 'aggressive guard dogs' were warned about danger
Three-year-old Daniel Twigg was mauled to death by two large Mastiff-type dogs who were being used to guard Carr Farm in Rochdale - he entered a pen 'unsupervised' A toddler was savaged to death by two dogs on a farm after his parents left him "unsupervised" despite them being warned the animals were dangerous. Three-year-old Daniel Twigg died suffered "severe damage" to his neck and died from his injuries after he endured the savage attack. A court heard how he "suffered massive internal and likely plentiful external bleeding." Daniel had entered the pen and was pounced on by the two dogs, who weighed around "50kg" each. His parents, Mark Twigg and Joanne Bedford, of Radcliffe, both deny manslaughter and offences under the dangerous dog act. On the first day of their trial, it was said the pair were "well aware" that the animals were aggressive. Opening the case at Manchester Crown Court, Mr Elvidge KC, prosecuting, said Daniel died after he was able to enter a pen at Carr Farm in Rochdale on May 15, 2022, where he found "two large Mastiff type dogs called Sid and Tiny." A swab of DNA taken from Tiny's muzzle and Sid's nose matched that of Daniel's blood. The dogs were being used on the farm for "breeding and to act as guard dogs, " reports Manchester Evening News. The jury was told that they would be shown CCTV footage that showed Daniel enter the pen which was "secured with a sliding latch and a Carabiner clip," rather than a secure lock. Elvidge told the jury that Twigg and Bedford had a "long association" with the farm that belonged to a man called Matthew Brown, who was also Daniel's godfather. He told the court that Twigg was an "odd job man" who worked for Mr Brown. The family had been living on the farm after Mr Brown was remanded to prison after his partner had "complained about him". In an agreement with social services, Mr Brown's partner, her young son and their puppies left the farm and it was agreed that Mr Twigg and Miss Bedford would live on the premises to tend to the animals by "feeding them, watering them and ensuring that their living conditions were acceptable." The court heard how Twigg and Bedford were in charge of caring for eight or nine "untrained guard dogs" that were "difficult to control". They were of a varying breeds such as a Cane Corso, American Bulldog, German Shepherd, Tibetan Mastiff and a Boerboel. Mr Elvidge told the court that signs were in place warning visitors about the dogs, one of which told visitors not to exit their vehicle and to "beep their horn or ring" instead, while another said 'beware of the dogs they bite'. The court heard how the dogs, including Tiny and Sid, lived in an "extremely unclean and impoverished environment, with no clean bedding and surrounded by their own faeces', and that they were "not taken out of this environment for exercise." The court also heard that the pair had been warned about the risk of Daniel being bitten by the dogs by an RSPCA inspector but they "brushed off that warning." The court also heard that there had been previous instances of one of the dogs biting someone in the past. Another incident included a cyclist injuring themselves after falling off their bike due to the "aggressive behaviour" of two dogs that were roaming free on the farm. The trial is expected to last three weeks.
