Judge may spare Hampstead Heath attack dog

Published: 14 October, 2010
by JAMIE WELHAM

A DOG that attacked a woman and her puppy on Hampstead Heath is expected to be spared being put down after an animal behaviour expert told a judge castration would control the risk of a repeat attack.

Lucio, a five-year-old Rottweiler Alsatian cross, has been in police kennels for 10 months following the savage attack on Cheryl ­Cagrola and her 21-month-old Border Collie on the Heath last year.

The attack left the puppy with life-threatening injuries and Ms Cagrola suffered puncture wounds and abrasions to her hand when she tried to intervene.

Speaking at last Friday’s hearing at Highbury Magistrates’ Court, Judge Ian Baker said he was “inclined to make a control order with stringent conditions”, when he passes sentence next week.

The dog’s owner, Valeria Fettuccia, 35, from Haringey, who is said to have been “traumatised” by the incident, pleaded guilty to being in charge of a dog that was dangerously out of control in a public place.

Dog behaviour consultant Annette Conn told the court Lucio could be “rehabilitated” to not pose a risk to the public and other dogs if he is castrated, and providing he is muzzled and kept on a lead.

Appearing as a defence witness, she said: “This is clearly a macho male dog that needed neutering. This was the major influencing factor as to why he was unpredictable. 

“I am not concerned about him being aggressive towards people. I have run some tests, and played roughly with it and it had no signs of a dodgy temperament. The only danger would be if it was allowed to interact with other male dogs.”

Ms Fettuccia was not in court and the sentencing was adjourned until tomorrow (Friday).