Footage emerges of police horses assaulted by canine; authorities appeal for eyewitnesses to come forward
Police Horses Attacked by Dog in London: What You Need to Know
In a shocking incident, two Metropolitan Police horses named Yvonne and Snaffles were chased and attacked by a small dog in Shepherd's Bush, London. The incident happened near Shepherd's Bush Green at around 11:30 AM on Monday.
According to reports, the dog, whose owner struggled to control it, repeatedly attempted to bite the legs of the two police horses during a routine patrol. Witnesses and members of the public had to intervene to help control the dog, as the officers were unable to do so on their own.
This incident highlights the importance of understanding laws related to pet control in public spaces. Dog owners are legally obligated to ensure their pets do not cause harm or disturbance to others. For instance, the Dogs Act 1871 allows anyone to bring a civil action for damages against a dog owner if their pet causes injury. Furthermore, under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, owning certain breeds deemed dangerous is prohibited, and owners may face severe penalties if their dogs cause injuries while not under proper control.
In this case, the police are investigating the incident and have appealed for witnesses to come forward. The horses, Yvonne and Snaffles, are reportedly recovering well at their stables with minor injuries, and the officers were unharmed. The dog was seized but later returned to its owner.
It's advisable for dog owners to keep their dogs on a lead if they don't have sufficient recall, to ensure the safety of their animals and others around them. Many councils also have bye-laws requiring dogs to be kept on a leash in certain areas, such as parks or public walkways, to maintain public safety.
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Additional Insights
- Incident Location: Shepherd's Bush Green, west London
- Time: Around 11:30 AM on Monday
- Dog Breed: Not specified
- Consequences for Dog Owners: Up to an unlimited fine, prison sentence, or both, if the dog is determined to be seriously out of control. The prison sentence can increase if the dog injures someone, up to five years.
- Witness Appeal: The Met Police has asked for any witnesses of the incident to call 101, quoting CAD2691/28APR25.
- Incidents such as the attack on Yvonne and Snaffles, the Metropolitan Police horses, highlight the need for strict pet control laws, like the Dogs Act 1871 and Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, in public spaces.
- Owners of dogs like the one involved in the Shepherd's Bush attack could face severe penalties, including unlimited fines, prison sentences, or both, if their pets are deemed to be seriously out of control.
- General-news outlets and crime-and-justice sections may cover this incident to emphasize the importance of responsible pet ownership to prevent such attacks on service animals like police horses.
- If you witnessed the attacking dog in Shepherd's Bush Green on Monday around 11:30 AM, the Met Police encourages you to contact them at 101, quoting incident number CAD2691/28APR25, to help with ongoing investigations.
