Lancaster bull mastiff attack leads to first dog law charge
A dog attack on a woman has led to the first person in Lancashire being charged under the newly amended Dangerous Dogs Act.
The 54-year-old victim suffered a broken arm and severe cuts in the attack by a bull mastiff on Granville Road, Lancaster on Tuesday.
Gary Deegan, 49, of Granville Road, has been charged with allowing a dog to cause injury in a private place.
Amendments to the act, allowing tougher penalties, came into effect on Tuesday.
Police said the dog had been seized and will be destroyed.
Mr Deegan was bailed to appear before magistrates in Lancaster on 27 May.
Under the amended Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, allowing a dog to cause injury can now be punished by up to five years in prison. Previously, the same charge carried a maximum of two years.