Latest news with #Jester
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- 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
2 days ago
- 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
The Sun
2 days ago
- The 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 4 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. 4
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Daily Mail
Canine home boss sues Dogs Trust for £200k after 'misbehaving' American Bulldog called 'Jester' mauls her and 'leaves her with PTSD'
A canine home chief is suing an animal charity for more than £200,000 after she was 'mauled' by an American Bulldog in an attack she says left her with PTSD. Karla Haines, 34, was working at the Dogs Trust's rehoming centre in Harefield, west London, when what has been described as a 'fierce and mischievous' bulldog cross named Jester sank its teeth into her arm. Ms Haines suffered multiple lacerations and puncture wounds, leaving permanent scarring and causing psychological injuries with 'PTSD-like symptoms,' her lawyers say. She is now suing the Dogs Trust, where she was assistant operations manager, for more than £200,000 in compensation - blaming the organisation for not properly controlling the territorial dog who she says was 'likely' to bite. Through its insurers, the Trust - Britain's largest canine welfare charity - has admitted breach of duty, but is challenging the amount in damages Ms Haines should get. According to documents filed at the High Court in London, the incident involved an attack by an American Bulldog cross named Jester which was being kept at the Trust's centre at Highway Farm House, in Harefield, Uxbridge. The centre is set in 16 acres of farmland and looks after around 150 dogs in facilities which include underfloor heating, glass fronted kennels, exercise paddocks, a puppy suite and sensory garden. 'On 3 July 2021, the claimant was in the re-homing concrete compound, having been brought in to help with the dog that was misbehaving,' her lawyers say in court documents. 'The claimant asked for the dog to be put on a lead, but the dog grabbed onto the claimant's arm and bit her. '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, which characteristics were, or ought to have been known at all times to the defendant.' As well as the scarring and mental trauma of her ordeal, Ms Haines - who has a degree in animal behaviour and welfare - says she has been left suffering with 'hypersensitivity of the cubital tunnel of her right arm' after the attack. Her lawyers allege that her employers failed 'adequately or at all to retain the dog in a place of safety' and should have restrained Jester by leashing to a fixed point. Although its insurers have admitted breach of duty without admitting any specific fault, the trust insists Miss Haines was on Jester's 'safe list' - meaning she was one of the few who could safely handle him. The charity's 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.' 'The injuries as pleaded and detailed in the numerous reports are noted but not admitted, for want of knowledge. '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.' The claim was initially pleaded on documents at being worth no more than £60,000. However, at a brief pre-trial hearing earlier this month, lawyers for Ms Haines told High Court judge Master Richard Armstrong she was now seeking compensation of 'over £200,000'. A trial of Ms Haines' damages claim will take place at a later date, unless the parties agree to settle outside of court.
Telegraph
4 days ago
- Health
- Telegraph
I shot my own dog – it was the kindest thing to do
Dogs are like children: some are hard work, others you click with. My German shepherd, Jester, was a favourite of mine. He was a lovely, loyal dog who looked after me all his working life. Jester came to me back in 1992 as an 18-month-old ex-RAF police dog who'd failed his training. From the minute we met, he decided he liked me better than he liked anyone else, and we got on like a house on fire. My job was to be a country gamekeeper, and his was to be the estate security. But he became my companion, and right up until his death in 2004, we were best friends. We never had a cross word between us and between us there was a kind of mutual respect. At night, when the evenings were long and dark, we'd huddle up against each other to keep warm – sitting by the tree or in the Land Rover for company. During the day, we were like two lads out on the town; although one of us was a bit more wayward than the other, and you never quite knew what he was going to do next. But as he grew older at about 11 and a half, Jester started to get skin irritations on his back. It was dry skin which he had been scratching and had been irritating him. It was then that I discovered he hated going to the vets. He'd arrive at the surgery and turn the place upside down. You'd have to muzzle him to just get him in the door. He was a large Alsatian, and quite capable of killing somebody when he was distressed – or at the very least, seriously injuring them. The vet sedated him, gave him some cream, and he came back in a bad mood. For a while, the skin irritations seemed to go away. But one morning, I was about to take him for a walk, when I noticed he'd literally pulled a hole in his own back, seriously injuring himself. He'd gnawed at himself overnight and it was a deep, bloody mess. He was nearly 12 at this point, his movements were slower, his hair was going grey, and he was going a bit senile. I knew from a lifetime of working with dogs, and now with this brutal wound, that he hadn't long to live. I looked at him, and I just thought, 'What the hell have you done?'. I knew he was in pain, and that the situation was impossible to fix. Clarity amid the tears I had to make the hardest decision of my life: would I muzzle him up – which he hated – load him into the motor, take him to somewhere he didn't want to be and risk injury to someone? And all they would do is patch him up, and he'd have a slow and painful end over the next few days. Even if we'd called a vet out, we'd have had to muzzle and sedate him and the end result would be the same. Or should I do the one last thing I could to help him? After all, he'd been so faithful and looked after me all of his life. It was an unimaginably hard decision, but I saw it as the last act of service I could perform for my dog. I knew I had to do it, and I decided to do it that very morning. But it was frightening. I didn't want it to happen, even though I knew it was the right course of action. Secondly, I didn't want to mess it up; I had to think very carefully about how I would make it a clean death. I shoot all sorts of animals on the estate, and know that there's nothing pretty about any dead animal; pheasant, duck or deer. There is, however, knowing that you did the right thing at the right time: you did it cleanly, and you did it to the best of your ability for all the right reasons. I decided that we'd go for a walk. He'd be sniffing around where he's always sniffed around, and I would put him down by shooting him clean in the head with a 2:2 rifle. To this day, I can see him sniffing around his favourite spot of grass, and I can see myself looking through my tears at him. There was a lot going through my mind in that moment: amid the tears, I had to find some sort of clarity that this was the best decision. I remember asking myself, was I absolutely right in what I was doing? I worked it through and the answer was 'yes'. I've spoken to vets about it in subsequent years. They say that when they put a horse down, the best way is to shoot it, though it is, of course, the very worst way for the owner. You are then faced with a decision: do you do what the owner wants? Or do you do what is best for the animal? And that made absolute sense to me, it struck a chord when I thought about Jester – the decision I made was terribly hard for me, but best for him. It was the choice that former Reform MP Rupert Lowe recently had to make. His Labrador had lost the use of his legs and Lowe told Parliamentary colleagues it was kinder to have his gamekeeper end the dog's suffering in familiar surroundings than it would have been going to the vet, where the journey and smells would stress the animal. Haunted by the memory I knew that the vets would be too traumatic for Jester, that the trauma – of seeing him die before me – had to be mine instead. I took total responsibility for what had to be done, in exactly the same way I take total responsibility when I shoot a muntjac. But when you shoot a deer, you haven't got the emotional tie that you have with a dog. Shooting Jester on that day in 2004 still haunts me. When I talk about it, I still break down despite the fact it was 20 years ago. After his death, all I could think about was him in those last seconds. But as time goes on, those memories filter into the past and you start to think about the better times before then. There's no return from that final moment – you are having the last pat of the head, it's that last stroke you remember. But it's no different for the dog whether you go to the vet or do it at home. Everyone who owns dogs has to make that decision sooner or later, and it's bloody difficult whichever decision you make. Since then, in my 40 years as a gamekeeper, I've shot three dogs – but only one of my own. In one instance, my governor asked me to shoot his dog. Another time, a dog had smashed its shoulder in a tractor wheel. We immediately phoned the vet, who said that he couldn't get there for a while, and asked if we could put it down. It's very easy for people on the outside to judge but they need to be in that situation and be faced with those decisions before they can fully understand what it's like. I find it very difficult to think about the last moments I had with Jester. Instead, I tend to keep in mind that it was the best thing for him and that I did my very best. I remind myself that ultimately, putting a dying dog – especially a dear, old friend – out of its misery is the very kindest thing you can do.
