Man Ordered to Pay £10,000 for Straying Dogs That Killed Pets

Photo: One of the dogs belonging to Ross Stone regularly collected by Cornwall Council’s stray dog service 

Ross Stone, of Coopeage Farm in Trewoon, St Austell, has been ordered to pay £10,000 in fines and costs after allowing his dogs to stray repeatedly and cause distress within his community. The verdict was reached at Bodmin Magistrates Court on 17th December, where Stone was found guilty in his absence of breaching a Community Protection Notice on five occasions.

The notice, issued in May by Cornwall Council’s stray dog service, required Stone to ensure his dogs were adequately contained or under close control when off his property. It also stipulated that the dogs must be microchipped and wear a collar and tag. However, despite these measures, the council reported no improvement, and concerns from local residents continued to grow.

Repeated Straying Leads to Prosecution

Cornwall Council’s stray dog service had frequently collected Stone’s dogs after they wandered off his property. The animals not only caused disruption but were also reported to have killed other residents’ pets, escalating tensions in the area.

Stone’s refusal to attend court did not deter proceedings. He was fined £1,500 for each of the five breaches and ordered to pay £2,500 in costs, bringing the total penalty to £10,000.

Future Ban on Dog Ownership Possible

The council has applied for a Criminal Behaviour Order to prevent Stone from keeping dogs in the future. This application will be heard in March next year.

Cllr Martyn Alvey, Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for environment and public protection, expressed hope that the prosecution would act as a deterrent for similar behaviour, stating:

“This is an unusual case where the individual’s refusal to contain his dogs has had a real impact on the community, causing harassment and distress. I hope this successful prosecution sends out a clear message that such anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.”

This case highlights the importance of responsible pet ownership and the legal consequences of neglecting community welfare.

Photo: One of the dogs belonging to Ross Stone regularly collected by Cornwall Council’s stray dog service