Owner of Dog which Killed Poodle in Wormholt Park Convicted

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Staffordshire bull terrier must be muzzled and is banned from park

The owner of a dangerous dog which savaged a poodle in Wormholt Park has been given a conditional discharge by a court.

At a trial hearing on January 23, City of London Magistrates' Court was told that on May 9 last year, Margaret Docherty's Staffordshire bull terrier, Texas, attacked the poodle cross-breed, which died as a result of its injuries.

Mrs Docherty, 59, of Shepherd's Bush, had denied having a dog dangerously out of control, but was found guilty and was sentenced at Hammersmith Magistrates' Court on Tuesday February 10.

A Hammersmith & Fulham Council spokesperson said: "Officers from our parks police service worked closely with the council to ensure this case was brought before the courts. The borough's many parks are places where people should be able to visit without fear or concern for safety and this conviction shows our commitment to ensuring they remain so."

Mrs Docherty, of Adelaide Grove, was given a 12 month conditional discharge and was also ordered to pay a total of £4,030 in compensation and costs.

She was further ordered that Texas must remain muzzled and on a lead when in public from now on and is banned from Wormholt Park. Mrs Docherty was warned if she failed to comply with this order, her pet would be put down.

The borough's Parks Police say they encourage responsible dog owners and work alongside the Dogs Trust to hold regular events across H&F's parks, offering services including free micro-chipping and advice on proper training.

The Parks Police can be contacted on 0300 3655 101, or by email at parkspolice@rbkc.gov.uk.

February 16, 2015