Tag Archives: dog control order

dog attack, Dogs

Snape Wood, Nottingham: Leon Wilks

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CONVICTED (2023) | Leon C Wilks, born c. 1981, of Dyce Close, Snape Wood, Bulwell, Nottingham NG6 7GD – allowed his three dogs to attack a cocker spaniel, causing catastrophic fatal injuries.

Nottingham man Leon Wilks allowed his 3 bull-breed dogs to attack a spaniel, killing him

Wilks pleaded guilty to three counts of being in charge of a dangerously out-of-control dog.

The three dogs were off their leads in Snape Wood Nature Reserve, near Bulwell, when they saw another dog on a walk with his owner on March 3, 2023.

The two Staffordshire crossbreeds and an XL Bully set upon the smaller cocker spaniel, who had to be put to sleep after suffering “catastrophic injuries”.

Following an investigation, Wilks was identified as the owner of the dogs and all three animals were seized.

He appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on September 15, 2023, where a contingent destruction order was imposed on each dog.

One of Leon Wilks' three dogs, who now face destruction unless their owner complies with strict conditions
One of Leon Wilks’ three dogs, who now face destruction unless their owner complies with strict conditions

All three must now wear a muzzle when outside and must be kept on a lead held by someone aged over 16 when they are taken on walks.

Any of the dogs seen to be breaching the court order will be seized and put down.

PC Conor Bullivant said: “This was a deeply distressing incident that left a dog with horrible injuries and resulted in its owners having to make the difficult decision to put their beloved pet to sleep to end its suffering.

“We hope that the order issued by the court helps provide the community with some reassurance going forward and sends out a strong reminder to all dog owners of their responsibilities to ensure the safety of other people and their animals.”

Sentencing | contingent destruction order on Wilks’ three dogs; £900 in compensation and fines

Nottingham World

Dogs

Lea, Herefordshire: Sean Murphy

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CONVICTED (2017) | Sean Joseph Murphy, born August 1985, of Rudhall View, Lea, Ross-on-Wye HR9 7ND – neglected a dog, causing him to become aggressive and attack humans.

Sean Murphy and his dog, Archie, who became aggressive due to neglect.
Sean Murphy and his dog, Archie, who became aggressive due to his owner’s neglect.

Sean Murphy, strongman exhibitor and owner of Sanctuary Supplements, was banned from keeping dogs for ten years after his pet bullmastiff-cross, Archie, bit two of his neighbours.

Murphy failed to turn up for his trial on January 17, 2017, and was found guilty in his absence of failing to comply with a control of dog order, owning a dangerous dog and causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.

Amy Davies, prosecuting, told the court that Murphy’s dog, Archie, was already made subject to a dog control order in 2014 after he bit a police officer.

Then on December 18, 2015 Archie was outside Murphy’s property scavenging in bins in the village, near Ross-on-Wye.

His neighbours became concerned about the aggressive nature of the dog as they knew primary school children would soon be finishing school, so they tried to get him inside Murphy’s garden, which had a fence around it.

In doing so, Archie bit one neighbour on the arm and the other on the ankle.

Miss Davies said a vet had said Archie had chronically infected skin lesions, which in his opinion had caused unnecessary suffering to the dog.

The court heard there was no prospect of Archie being rehomed due to his aggressive nature, and the crown asked for a destruction order.

Murphy told the court that he had proof that the neighbours deliberately went out of their way to wind Archie up.

He said he could also produce vet’s bills to prove he had antibiotic cream for Archie for his skin condition and added that Archie’s weight would often fluctuate.

He said: “I would like the dog back and I am going to fight to get him back.”

Sentencing | 12-month community order with 175 hours of unpaid work; victim compensation; contribution of £500 to the dog’s care since the incident, which had amounted to £6,235.75, and an £85 victim surcharge. Magistrates ordered Archie’s destruction. Murphy was disqualified from keeping dogs for ten years (expires January 2027).

Hereford Times