By David Southwell For Daily Mail Australia
06:09 20 Feb 2024, up to date 06:43 20 Feb 2024
A mother-of-three displayed ‘an unbelievable quantity of stupidity’ in letting a ‘harmful breed’ of canine savage a person on a mobility scooter and his pet, a Justice of the Peace mentioned.
Skye Georgina James, 27, pleaded responsible in February to permitting her American Staffordshire Terrier named Shadow attack mobility scooter rider Shane Stein and his canine Scooby final January within the south-east Queensland city of Ipswich.
The courtroom considered CCTV footage which confirmed the black determine of Shadow operating into the road to attack Scooby whereas Mr Stein, Ms James, her mom, and different unidentified native residents repeatedly tried to halt the vicious battle.
At one stage Mr Stein was pressured off his mobility scooter, whereas Ms James, who was the third person on the scene, pulls and slaps at Shadow however is unable to wrench him away from the opposite canine.
Eventually with the help of extra native residents – one in all them wielding a backyard hose – the animals are lastly pulled aside.
As the footage was proven Ms James turned her head away tearfully, the Courier Mail reported.
Mr Stein sustained lacerations to his arm and fingers on the day whereas Scooby suffered a puncture wound to the chest.
Acting Magistrate Paul Byrne mentioned the footage confirmed an ‘unbelievable show of incompetence’ with nobody seeming to ‘have a clue what they have been doing.’
Defence lawyer Chris O’Neill argued that Ms James did her ‘incompetent finest’ however was a single mom who was anticipating her third youngster on the time of the incident.
Ms James had solely taken Shadow below her wing when the earlier proprietor turned unable to look after the canine anymore.
The canine, which had by no means beforehand proven such aggression, escaped the home when Ms James’ mom left the door ajar whereas taking out the bins.
As Ms James did not have the money to pay for measures the council advised have been essential to accommodate Shadow securely, the animal needed to be put down.
In fining Ms James $4,000, together with extra fines for courtroom prices, Magistrate Byrne mentioned she had proven ‘continual negligence’ in bringing a ‘famend harmful breed’ into her home with young kids.
‘What I noticed on the display was terrifying, and you recognize that,’ Mr Byrne informed Ms James.
‘This was one thing ready to occur … There was an unbelievable quantity of stupidity on you taking over the accountability of that canine in any circumstances.’
He additionally mentioned as Ms James had grown up with Staffies she ought to have recognized how doubtlessly harmful they’re.
The Justice of the Peace concluded Ms James had proven ‘silly naivety’ however this had led to ‘gross negligence’ even when there was no malign intent.
Mr Stein informed The Queensland Times that he and Scooby have each recovered effectively because the attack.
‘Thanks to all who’ve contributed to the wellbeing of Scooby,’ Mr Stein mentioned.
He mentioned he was sorry to listen to Shadow had been put down however that there wanted to be stricter legal guidelines round canine assaults.
