A man expressed shock at his altered appearance following a sudden attack by an American bulldog that bit him on the face. Robert Gaskell, a worker, was in Demi Fitzpatrick’s kitchen when her dog, Capone, unexpectedly entered the room and attacked him on the cheek. Despite being known as a generally friendly dog, Capone has been ordered to be put down by magistrates. The victim now feels anxious about entering customers’ homes due to the incident.
The incident occurred in the Kirkby area of Liverpool on May 21, prompting a response from the police following a report from the North West Ambulance Service. Fitzpatrick pleaded guilty to owning a dog that caused injury while being dangerously out of control. She was visibly emotional during the court proceedings and was fined £120, with additional payments totaling £433.
The court also issued a destruction order for Capone, which can be appealed at the crown court. The panel chairman highlighted the importance of assessing the dog’s temperament and past behavior in determining public safety risks. Despite no recent incidents involving Capone, the court concluded that Fitzpatrick failed to adequately control the dog, leading to the attack. The decision to issue a destruction order was based on expert advice suggesting the need for stricter measures when visitors are present. Fitzpatrick was deemed unfit to care for Capone, resulting in the order for destruction.