Man Also Given Suspended Jail Sentence

The banning of a man from keeping dogs for 10 years after a savage attack on a guide dog has been followed by a warning from police to keep animals under control.

John-Jo Madden's terrier-type dog ran out of control and badly wounded a blind woman's guide dog in an underpass at Cricklewood railway station in London last year.

Madden, 18, of Gospel Oak, north-west London, admitted possessing a dangerous dog in a public place and also received a thee-month jail sentence, suspended for two years at Hendon Magistrates' Court in north London.

The guide dog, a chocolate-brown Labrador, named Neela, needed emergency treatment to neck puncture wounds but fully recovered. It was pinned to the ground in a three-minute attack by Madden's unleashed animal and the 57-year-old owner was deeply shocked.

Detective Constable Gerry Griffin, of British Transport Police (BTP), said the case sends a strong message about the responsibilities of dog ownership. He said: "The incident clearly illustrates the importance of making sure that dogs are under the control of their owners at all times - particularly in public places such as railway stations."

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Katrina Elsey from law firm Irwin Mitchell said: “Owners are urged to ensure that their dogs are kept under proper control when out and about in public places. It is an increasing concern within the public that some dog owners do not take proper care of their dogs when out and about and often allow their dogs to run free without a lead.”

If you have been injured in a dog attack, see our dog bite claims page for information about making a compensation claim.