Swavesey man banned from owning a dog for 10 years after six-year-old bitten by Irish wolfhound

A Swavesey man has been banned from owning a dog for 10 years after his Irish wolfhound bit a six-year-old girl.

Police were contacted after the girl was bitten on Swavesey Village Green on August 15.

She was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge and treated for a deep wound to her shoulder, puncture wounds to her right arm and other scratches.

Stephen Cuff, 60, of Burgess Close, Swavesey, was voluntarily interviewed the next day and his dog was seized.

Cuff pleaded guilty at Cambridge Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, November 23 to being an owner in charge of a dangerously out of control dog.

He was sentenced to four months in prison, suspended for 18 months. He must pay £200 to the victim and is banned from having a dog for 10 years.

PC Christopher Smits, who investigated, said: “The incident was extremely frightening for the young child. This is not the first time Cuff has been in control of a dangerous dog which is why the court has now issued a ban.

“If you are unsure about the temperament or behaviour of your dog, take the precaution and use a muzzle and seek advice from an expert.”