Lincoln man jailed after Staffies maul guide dog in city centre

A Lincoln man has been jailed for 18 weeks after two Staffordshire Bull Terrier dogs he was in charge of attacked a guide dog.

Leslie Stone, 39, was on St Mary’s Street in Lincoln city centre on May 22 in control of the two dogs when they lashed out at a golden Labrador with its visually impaired owner.

The female assistance dog suffered minor injuries to her eye. She has since recovered and is said to be fit and well to continue with her duties.

The owner of the assistance dog, a 71-year-old woman from Nottinghamshire, was knocked to the ground during the incident.

She was not seriously hurt but was left distressed and shaken up.

Stone, of Monks Road in Lincoln, was jailed for 18 weeks after pleading guilty at Lincoln Magistrates’ Court to being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control.

The two Staffordshire Bull terriers were also ordered to be kept properly under control or they would have to be destroyed.

A spokeswoman for Lincolnshire Police said: “This case highlights how all pet owners have to be responsible and make sure that their animals are under control and are not going to pose a danger to any other person or animal, especially in a public place.

“We would like to offer a big thank you to the members of the public who helped this lady and her dog and showed her great kindness in the aftermath of the incident.

“She was understandably distressed and having people around to help her, many of whom also provided statements to the police, made all the difference. “