A young individual was attacked and bitten on the arm four times by an XL bully while the owner failed to intervene. Scott Gallagher had been restraining the dog by its collar, but let go, leading to the dog latching onto the child’s arm.
Co-defendant Katie Taylor managed to pull the dog away, and the child was quickly taken to a neighbor’s house before paramedics were called. Both defendants admitted guilt to owning a dog that posed a danger and caused harm, as well as committing child cruelty.
In a courtroom session on February 3, a judge at Caernarfon Crown Court sentenced Gallagher, aged 59, from Walton Road, Llandudno Junction, to 22 months in prison for the dog-related offense and an additional six months for child cruelty, to be served consecutively.
Taylor, aged 40 and residing at the same location, received an 18-month prison term for the dog incident and another six months for child cruelty, with her sentence being suspended for two years. She is required to undergo a 12-month mental health treatment program and complete 20 days of rehabilitation activity.
The judge, His Honour Timothy Petts, ordered the XL Bully named Tyson and the defendants’ Pit Bull Terrier named Caesar to be put down. Additionally, both defendants were prohibited from owning a dog for 15 years.
According to the prosecution, the dog attack occurred in 2024. Gallagher did not act to assist, but Taylor intervened to remove the dog, as reported by North Wales Live.
The injured youngster was promptly taken to the hospital and underwent surgery the following day to clean and stitch the four wounds.
Representing Gallagher, Tom McLoughlin informed the court that his client expressed genuine remorse, especially considering his physical disability resulting from a previous lorry accident.
After sustaining injuries, Gallagher had been prescribed morphine, leading to dependency. However, he has since been gradually weaned off the medication and switched to a less addictive alternative.
In defense of Taylor, Catherine Elvin emphasized that her client had intervened to help, stating that she bravely acted to separate the dog from the child. The court was informed that Taylor deeply regrets the incident.
