Owner ordered to use muzzles and leads on two dogs after horses and riders harassed
Published: Thursday, 17 October, 2019
A dog owner whose pets harassed horses and riders, and attacked other dogs, must muzzle them and keep them on leads in public from now on – or risk a fine of up to £1,000.
On 14th October 2019, magistrates sitting in Cheltenham made a Dog Control Order against Mr Robert Goldie of Lawnside, Nailsworth. The order was in relation to two dogs owned by Mr Goldie, a black bull terrier type and a bull terrier/collie type dog.
Magistrates were satisfied that evidence provided by the Animal Welfare team at Stroud District Council demonstrated that the two dogs were dangerous and had not been kept under proper control. Evidence was provided to the court of a number of instances when the dogs attacked other dogs and harassed horses and their riders. The order requires Mr Goldie to ensure that the two dogs in question are kept on leads and muzzled at all times when in a public place.
Should the terms of the order be breached it would represent a criminal offence which could lead to prosecution and a fine, on conviction, of up to £1000.
SDC Animal Welfare Officer Alex Myrie said: “We are very grateful that the magistrates took such effective action in this case. We would particularly take this opportunity to highlight the problems that may be caused by allowing dogs to harass horses and their riders, given the potential for serious injury to both animal and rider.
"We live in a rural district, popular with dog walkers and horse riders alike and we would advise all dog walkers to be especially mindful of their responsibilities in this regard.”
SDC Environment Committee Chairman Simon Pickering added: “Dogs are considered to be our best friends, so owners have a duty to ensure that they are trained and kept under control for the sake of their own dogs, as well as for other dogs, horses and citizens of the district. I congratulate the swift and professional action of our Animal Welfare team."