The owner of a dangerous bull breed dog who savagely attacked a man in Maltby has avoided jail and was able to keep the animal.
The 69-year-old victim was sent to hospital for two weeks, requiring skin grafts after the horrifying attack. He had been was walking his own dog around Smithies Lake in Maltby when he stopped to speak to Shaun Culshaw, 33, who was walking his dog Kojo. The pair were stopped for a chat on the morning of Friday, September 9, 2022 when Kojo struck.
After around five minutes of talking, Kojo attacked the elderly man without any provocation. The dog bit the victim on the left forearm, breaking his skin.
Read more: Pub manager hits back after pub crawl called ‘abusive, rowdy and inconsiderate’
The 69-year-old was able to get Kojo off his arm but a few moments later, the dog again began to attack him, biting his hip and inner area of his thigh. The man reported the dog being ‘locked on’ his leg for 10 minutes, causing serious injury and blood loss.
Kojo was seized by South Yorkshire Police and an investigation into his behaviour and nature was carried out to provide evidence to the court.
Get all the latest and breaking South Yorkshire news straight to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter here.
Culshaw was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for 12 months, ordered to complete 10 days unpaid work and pay compensation of £1,800, during a hearing on Thursday, May 23. The judge ordered that Kojo is only to be walked by someone over the age of 18, must wear a basket-style fitted muzzle and always kept on a dual clip lead while in public.
While at home, Kojo must be secured behind a dog gate or bolted door when strangers visit his home. Kojo must also complete a behaviour modification and management programme and to be seen by a vet within one month of returning home and be checked annually thereafter.
Culshaw must also provide third party insurance for Kojo. Chief Inspector Emma Cheney, leading the work on dangerous dogs in South Yorkshire, said: “Your dog is your responsibility and it is you, the owner who will face the consequences in court for their actions.
“Dogs are animals and any breed has the ability to cause fear and harm in our communities. Learning your dogs behaviours and characteristics is extremely important in being a responsible dog owner. Ensure that you seek help where needed and take precautions for everyone’s safety.”
Read More: World News | Entertainment News | Celeb News
YorkshireLive
