The Western Daily Press Bristol 11 Apr 1929 Bristol Playful Dog Bites a Cyclist Donald OATEN

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The Western Daily Press Bristol Thursday 11 Apr 1929

Page 5 Column 6 & 7


Bristol


PLAYFUL” DOG BITES A CYCLIST.

Bristol Owner Given Benefit of a Doubt.


For not keeping a dangerous dog under proper control, Percival BOWDITCH, of 66, City Road, was summoned at the Bristol Police Court yesterday, before Sir Sidney HUMPHRIES and Mr A. J. HARRIS.

Donald OATEN, a youth said he was riding up St. Paul Street on his bicycle on an errand when the dog ran after him and bit his leg leaving a mark and tearing his trousers.

P.C. 163A said that he interviewed the defendant and reminded him that his dog had bitten two other people in 1926 and 1927, and that in the latter year he was ordered by the magistrates to keep the dog under control. He told him of the present case and he replied “I am of the opinion the dog is not dangerous. It slipped out on the last occasion with a boy who was sent on an errand. I have done my best to comply with the magistrates' order and keep the dog under control, and usually take it out myself.”

Defendant suggested that his dog was merely playful and not ferocious.

The Bench gave the defendant the benefit of a doubt in their minds and dismissed the case.


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<NOTES: Donald Hector OATEN son of William Frank OATEN and Eliza DEAN, married Gwendoline M. HARPER>