Equestrian commentator Mike Tucker calls for action over dog attacks

Equestrian commentator Mike Tucker has repeated calls for “more consistent action” across the UK on dangerous dogs, after the owner of two Staffordshire bull terriers that attacked him in January was fined nearly £500.

At Gloucester Magistrates Court on 3 August, Julian Benton of Folly Farm, Long Newnton, pleaded guilty to not keeping his dogs under proper control. He was fined £460 and costs of £30.

“I feel this is quite a result,” Mike told H&H, “but it would be great if we could get more consistent action across the country.”

The dogs chased Mike, riding the former Grand National runner D’Argent, through fields and along a mile and a half of tarmac road in Gloucester before a neighbour intervened (news,

11 March).

“The horse ended up with 20 stitches and I can honestly say it was the most terrifying experience of my life,” he told H&H at the time.

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (12 August, ’10)

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