Breckland Council issues strong warning to neglectful dog owners following landmark prosecution

Breckland Council has taken a decisive stand against animal cruelty by successfully prosecuting in a case involving the abandonment of a dog.

An offender pleaded guilty following the case in the Attleborough area, and has been handed fines and costs totalling £907.

The dog was abandoned and neglected to the point that, despite council teams’ best efforts, it was too aggressive to be rehomed and had to be put down.

Cllr Helen Crane, executive member for waste, environmental health, licensing, and sustainability at Breckland Council, said: “This case highlights the devastating consequences of neglecting a pet’s welfare.

“The dog was abandoned and left in a dire situation where its basic needs were ignored. Breckland Council takes these matters extremely seriously and will not hesitate to prosecute those who mistreat animals.

“If anyone is struggling to care for their pet, there are rehoming agencies and support services available. Our dog warden service is also on hand to offer advice. Abandonment is never the answer.

“The council’s dog warden team made extraordinary efforts to care for the abandoned dog, keeping it for over four weeks, twice the standard period, while exploring every possible option for its future.

“Despite their care and attempts to rehome the dog, it exhibited severe aggression, which was attributed to a lack of training and neglect.

“The dog’s behaviour posed a significant safety risk, leading to the determination that rehoming was not viable. As a last resort, following consultation with professionals, the difficult decision was made to euthanise the dog to protect public safety.

“A decision that the council made every effort to avoid, but one that highlights the ultimate impact of neglect: that the pet may never find its forever home.”

This prosecution is the first of its kind for Breckland Council, reflecting the severity of the case.

Breckland is one of the areas in Norfolk with the highest rates of abandoned dogs, and the problem has increased during the cost of living crisis.

Cllr Crane added: “This prosecution should serve as a wake-up call to anyone considering abandoning a dog in Breckland. We will not tolerate neglect or cruelty, and we will pursue legal action where evidence allows.

“Our dedicated officers go above and beyond to care for these animals, but abandonment is a burden on the community and a tragedy for the pets themselves.”

If you have concerns about the welfare of an animal in Breckland, report it using the online enquiry form: www.breckland.gov.uk/article/9422/Licensing-General-Enquiry-Form