Dawn Housman given dog owner ban after her terrier killed dog and bit its owner

Dawn Housman previously admitted being the owner in charge of a dog dangerously out of control and causing injury, returning to Worcester Crown Court on Monday (July 4) to hear her fate.

At times the 52-year-old had her head in her hands as she listened to proceeding but made no interruptions as she had done in previous hearings of the case.

COURT: Dawn Housman (picture in 2020)

Melanie Winterflood, prosecuting, explained Housman had left her home in Back Lane South, Worcester, but did not have her American Bull Terrier named Bailey on a lead, which she was required to do.

The prosecutor explained the victim, Katie Harris, was outside in the road by a grass area with her dog, and when the dogs came together the bull terrier had initially been passive before biting the chihuahua on its belly.

“Miss Harris screams, Miss Housman tried to separate Bailey from the dog that was in distress,” the prosecutor said.

“Miss Harris put herself in the way of the dogs  - unfortunately she was bitten.”

The magistrates saw a picture of the injured finger of the victim’s hand that was scarred, Miss Harris having had treatment at Worcestershire Royal Hospital A&E after the incident on April 9 last year.

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Miss Winterflood explained the dog was rushed to a city vets but as they were not able to deal with the extensive injuries, the chihuahua was transferred to Birmingham vets.

“It died there as a result of the injuries,” Miss Winterflood said.

In a personal victim statement, Miss Harris said she had suffered anxiety attacks after the incident and been unable to work.

The prosecutor said Housman had been convicted of a similar offence in May 2011, when one of her dogs had attacked someone.

COURT: Dawn Housman appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court

And she added the RSPCA had also investigated Housman over concerns of poor treatment to animals she had been keeping in 2019, and 2021.

Barry Newton, defending, said Housman had known that the rescue dog had to be kept outside but had made the mistake of thinking Miss Harris, her friend for a “long time”, was in her flat with her dog.

“It is a one-off, tragic, unfortunate incident,” Mr Newton said.

“Ms Housman very much regrets what happened that day.”

He added Housman had kept dogs as her companion, and it was not a dangerous dog she was parading around.

"As a consequence of your actions a dog was killed"

Harry Turner, chairman of the magistrates bench, said: “We are dealing with a serious offence.

“You agree the dog should have been on a lead.

“As a consequence of your actions a dog was killed and Miss Harris suffered injuries.”

Mr Turner said magistrates had decided to give Housman an 18-week jail sentence, suspended for a year.

Housman was ordered to pay total compensation of £700, costs of £185, and victim surcharge of £128.

He added they also disqualified her from owning a dog for five years.