26-year-old fined £487 after massive dog leaves infant with permanent scars despite muzzle and warning jacket
A teacher has been fined after her massive Cane Corso brutally mauled a baby, leaving the infant with permanent scars in a horrifying attack in North Staffordshire.
Lucy Bamber, 26, told a court she was “remorseful” after her two-year-old dog Hugo attacked the child on March 2, claiming the animal had “never acted in this manner before.”
The shocking incident unfolded as Bamber was walking Hugo and a nine-year-old Staffordshire Bull Terrier through Longton when she spotted a cat and crossed the road to avoid it.
But as they passed a home’s driveway where a baby was outside, Hugo launched his savage attack, leaving the infant with several puncture wounds to the back and right arm.
‘I Need Space’ Warning Ignored
The court heard that Hugo “always” wears a muzzle in public and is kept on a short lead. The dog even sports a high-visibility jacket emblazoned with “I need space” as a warning to others.
Despite these precautions, the powerful Cane Corso – a breed that can weigh up to 50kg (eight stone) – still managed to inflict terrible injuries on the helpless baby.
North Staffordshire Justice Centre was told the wounds are expected to leave permanent scars on the young victim.
Teacher’s Shock at Attack
Bamber’s solicitor, April Lamai, told the court her client was “willing to do everything in her power to prevent this from ever happening again.
She only noticed the child after Hugo bit the victim. She immediately pulled the dog away. She was shocked by Hugo’s behaviour,” Ms Lamai said.
The court heard that since the attack, Bamber has enrolled Hugo in extra obedience and recall training and no longer walks him on that road.
Lenient Sentence Sparks Debate
Bamber pleaded guilty to:
- Being the owner of a dog dangerously out of control
- Being the owner of a dog which was dangerous and not kept under proper control
She was fined £487 and ordered to pay:
- £300 compensation to the child’s mother
- £85 court costs
- £197 surcharge
Controversially, magistrates decided NOT to destroy Hugo, saying they were satisfied the dog is not a danger to the public due to his “previous behaviour” and it being an “isolated incident.”
Instead, they imposed a lifetime control order on the animal.
Lifetime Restrictions
The magistrates told Bamber: “You are a fit and proper person to own this particular type of dog. You must keep Hugo under proper control. We impose the following conditions. When outside he must have a fixed lead and a muzzle. These will last for the whole of Hugo’s life. If you do not comply, Hugo may be destroyed.”
The decision means Hugo must wear a muzzle and be kept on a fixed lead whenever he’s in public for the rest of his life.
Growing Concerns Over ‘Status Dogs’
The attack comes amid growing concerns about Cane Corsos becoming the new “status dog” of choice following the ban on XL Bullies in England and Wales.
The Italian mastiff breed is currently legal to own in the UK and is not officially recognised by the Kennel Club. Originally bred as guard dogs to protect livestock, they have one of the strongest bite forces of any dog at 700 pounds per square inch – higher than a lion’s.
RSPCA Dog Welfare Expert Dr Samantha Gaines recently warned: “Sadly, since the XL Bully was banned last year, it was inevitable attention would shift onto another large, powerful breed.
The case has reignited debate about whether current dangerous dog legislation goes far enough to protect the public, particularly vulnerable victims like children, from powerful breeds capable of inflicting devastating injuries.
