An American Bully that injured a police officer was shot dead by marksmen after a three-day search in Poole, raising concerns over dangerous dog ownership.
An American Bully dog, which had been on the run after injuring a police officer, was shot dead by police marksmen in Poole, Dorset, on Monday evening. The incident followed a three-day hunt for the animal, which had escaped from its owner’s control during a traffic stop.
The dog was initially let loose around 10.30pm on Friday, April 4, when Sergeant Mark Moreland-Francis approached a vehicle on Coy Pond Road following reports of suspicious activity. The owner allegedly released the dog’s lead while exiting the vehicle, resulting in the dog attacking the officer and causing substantial injuries to his arm. After the incident, both the man and the dog fled from the scene.
In the aftermath of the attack, Sergeant Moreland-Francis received treatment for puncture wounds sustained during the incident. The search for the escaped dog commenced immediately, and over the course of the weekend, police efforts intensified. On Saturday, authorities arrested a 32-year-old man from London, identified as Andre Harold Willis, who faces several charges, including being in charge of a dog dangerously out of control, wounding or inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent, and driving while disqualified without valid insurance.
During the three-day search, Dorset Police deployed specialist officers and drones to locate the dog. On Monday afternoon, at approximately 1pm, the police were notified by a local resident who spotted the American Bully wandering in the Talbot Village area. Following this tip-off, officers attempted to safely capture the canine; however, their efforts were unsuccessful.
Ultimately, the situation led police to a grave decision. A spokesperson for Dorset Police, speaking to Bournemouth News Agency, stated, “Regrettably, having explored all other options, the dog was put down by officers due to the ongoing threat it posed to the public.” The spokesperson further clarified that the decision was made after weighing all possible alternatives while ensuring public safety.
The incident highlights concerns surrounding dangerous dogs and the implications of pet ownership responsibilities. Following the shooting, the police voiced their gratitude towards the local community for their patience and understanding throughout the ordeal, especially acknowledging those who provided valuable information that aided in locating the dog.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.noahwire.com/ – Source article that mentions the details of the incident involving the American Bully dog.
- https://www.dorset.police.uk/ – General information from Dorset Police about their operations or similar incidents involving dangerous dogs.
- https://www.gov.uk/guidance/dangerous-dogs – Information on UK laws and regulations regarding dangerous dogs and public safety.
- https://www.standard.co.uk/ – News coverage of similar incidents in the UK involving dangerous dogs or police operations.
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-dorset – BBC coverage of local news in Dorset that might include details about the incident or similar stories.
- https://www.police-uk.com/ – Resources on police procedures and guidelines for dealing with dangerous animals or threats to public safety.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative mentions specific and recent events, including dates and ongoing police actions. This indicates the content is likely current.
Quotes check
Score:
6
Notes:
There is one reported statement from a Dorset Police spokesperson, but it lacks an explicit date or source for verification beyond the ‘Bournemouth News Agency’. This could be a local press release or direct communication.
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative originates from a reputable publication like the Daily Express, which is generally known, but it also references a ‘Bournemouth News Agency’, which may be less prominent. The statements appear to be based on official spokespersons.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The scenario described is plausible, involving a serious dog attack and subsequent police action, which is not uncommon in similar situations. The details include a specific location and names, which supports its authenticity.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The content appears to be recent and plausible, originating from a known publication, though the mention of ‘Bournemouth News Agency’ adds some uncertainty. The lack of clear primary sources for quotes and limited verification of specific statements are minor concerns.
