Eden Valley owner of Akita dog that bit woman ordered to pay costs

Victoria Ferry, 30, was brought to court after an incident near her Vicarage Lane home in Temple Sowerby on August 18, 2022.

As Ferry met another woman, they discussed a shared interest in dogs and the former suggested the victim’s dog, Bruno, could meet hers. Ferry tried but failed to put her pet — an Akita cross called Kirby — on a lead as she brought it out into the garden.

The Akita initially attacked Bruno and, as his owner tried to pull Kirby away, she was bitten on the back of her leg. Her wound was treated with Steri-Strips and antibiotics and her dog was treated at a local veterinary practice.

The woman was so traumatised she gave up her job as a kennels manager, Carlisle Crown Court heard. Her dog also became less confident, prone to cowering away from others while on walks.

Ferry initially denied owning a dog that caused injury while dangerously out of control but changed her plea to guilty on the day she was due to stand trial.

Early last month, Judge Nicholas Barker imposed a community order with a six-week night time curfew. Ferry was ordered to pay the victim £500 compensation having previously recompensed a vet’s bill.

A further court order meant Kirby had to be muzzled and on a lead when in public.

Ferry was back at court this week as a prosecutor applied for repayment of kennelling fees accrued as the incident was investigated over several months and she was prosecuted.

A request for £7,239 was opposed by Ferry’s barrister, Anthony Parkinson. He reiterated that compensation had already been ordered with some kennel fees pre-dating the time of Ferry being formally charged and making her first court appearance.

Ferry had since lost her job as the sentencing hearing attracted press coverage.

Considering the application, Judge Barker said it was important to consider Ferry’s means, particularly as she was no longer employed.

Judge Barker called the total figure sought “significant” but ruled that Ferry must pay a £1,000 contribution. “It seems to me that merits the circumstances of this case,” he concluded. “In all the circumstances it is a good deal short of that which is sought. I consider an order in the sum of £1,000 to be a reasonable amount.”