Dangerous dog owner ordered to carry out community service after his Mastiff attacked a dog walker in Luton

A man from Luton, whose Mastiff attacked another dog walker, has been ordered to carry out 80 hours community service and to pay over £1,550 compensation to the victim.

Mohammed Usman, 45, of Devon Road, appeared before Luton Magistrates’ Court on Friday, March 6, and pleaded guilty to being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control causing injury.

On 20 July, Usman’s large Mastiff tried to attack a dog on Devon Road.

The other dog owner prevented this from happening, but ended up being bitten by Mastiff on his leg and buttocks, causing deep puncture wounds.

Usman has also been given a number of conditions under the Contingent Destruction Order about how to keep his dog.

Failure to comply with these will result in the dog being destroyed. They include:

> The dog not to be left in the sole care of Usman's mother, apart from when attached to a securely fitted 5m lead in the garden.

> Any property at which the dog is resident to be maintained and kept secure so there is no risk of the dog escaping and gaining access to public areas.

> Dog to be kept on a fixed lead no longer than 1.5m at all times whilst in a public place.

> Dog to wear a securely fitted basket type muzzle at all times whilst in a public place.

> Dog not to be walked by anyone under the age of 16.

Sergeant Richard Cunningham, of the Luton Community Policing Team, said: “We are very pleased with the result where under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, the owner has been ordered to carry out community service and his responsibilities as a dog owner reinforced.

"The victim has been given compensation and the dog will not be destroyed unless the owner fails to comply with the conditions put in place to protect members of the public.

“We worked very hard on the investigation to ensure Usman was brought before magistrates and to safeguard against his dog being involved in any future dog attacks.”

Usman was ordered to pay compensation of £557.50 to the victim and £1,000 for kennelling.