Dog owner jailed after police officer mauled in attack in Dorset
A Dorset man will spend 22 months behind bars for ‘refusing to control his dog’ after it attacked a police officer
A Dorset man has been jailed after his dog attacked a police officer in a violent incident that left the officer with multiple bite injuries.
Andre Willis, 32, was sentenced to 22 months in prison at Bournemouth Crown Court after releasing his Staffordshire Bull Terrier during a police encounter.
The dog bit the officer repeatedly, causing injuries to the leg and armpit, before being subdued. The dog has since been destroyed.
The court heard that Willis had refused instructions to secure his dog in a vehicle before fleeing the scene. His actions resulted in what prosecutors described as a “terrifying and painful attack” on an officer who was simply carrying out their duty.
Hayley Brearley, Senior Crown Prosecutor, condemned Willis’ behaviour, saying it "fell way below the standard of responsible dog ownership."
She added: “Emergency workers should be able to carry out their duties without fear of harm,” she said. “Where there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest, we will not hesitate to prosecute.”
The incident adds to growing concerns about dangerous dogs and the safety of frontline workers.
The injured officer is recovering, and the CPS extended their thoughts to them.