A man from Birmingham has been handed a five-year ban on keeping animals after he admitted being in charge of a dog that bit a woman in a Staffordshire park.
Court hears details of park attack
Kieron Nickless, 25, of Handsworth, appeared at North Staffordshire Justice Centre where magistrates heard how the incident unfolded. The court was told that Nickless was with his white German Shepherd at a property near Wigginton Park in Tamworth when the animal attacked the victim, biting her on the hand.
He pleaded guilty to being the person in charge of the dog when it caused injury. The attack took place last year, with the legal proceedings concluding on Tuesday, November 25.
Legal consequences for irresponsible owner
Magistrates imposed a disqualification order under section 24 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006. This means Nickless is banned from owning, keeping, participating in, or being party to any arrangement relating to the upkeep of animals for the next five years.
PC Shannon Fearn, of the Tamworth local policing team, stated she was pleased with the court's decision. "I am pleased the judge has banned Nickless from being involved in the keeping of animals after he so recklessly let this dog injure the victim," she said.
Police reassure community after incident
Staffordshire Police emphasised their commitment to tackling irresponsible pet ownership. "I hope this reassures the community that we're committed to protecting them from irresponsible owners and will bring offenders before the courts," added PC Fearn.
A force spokesperson confirmed: "A man has been disqualified from owning and keeping animals for five years after admitting being the person in charge of a dog that bit a woman in Tamworth last year."
The case highlights the serious legal repercussions for those who fail to control their pets in public spaces, with the courts using available legislation to protect the public from dangerous animals and their owners.
