The owner of the dogs that mauled Jade Lomas-Anderson to death pleaded guilty to animal cruelty yesterday – only days after the Wigan teen’s parents launched a responsible pet owner campaign.
Beverley Concannon, 45, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to the animals before Wigan Magistrates’ Court yesterday. She could be jailed for up to six months.
Concannon’s dogs, two bull mastiffs and two Staffordshire bull terriers attacked Jade, 14, when she was visiting Concannon’s daughter, Kimberley, in their former Wigan home.
The charge stated that she subjected the dogs to ‘an environment which was detrimental to their well-being’.
Concannon was granted unconditional bail until sentencing on October 18, when she could receive a maximum of six months in jail, and could also be fined and banned from keeping animals.
Hundreds of dog owners flocked to Hag Fold, Atherton, for the first event of Jade’s Campaign, which was launched after the 14-year-old was attacked and killed by a pack of dogs in March.
The campaign was launched by Wigan Council, and backed by Jade’s parents, with the aim of decreasing the risk of dog attacks by promoting responsible ownership.
During the event, 130 dogs were micro-chipped, 180 dog-owners were given expert advice on how to responsibly take care of and control their pets, and a professional dog trainer held 12 one-on-one training sessions with owners.
Wigan Council officers were on hand to give out information, and animal charity Blue Cross micro-chipped dogs for free. Jade’s parents, Michael and Shirley Anderson, also attended the event.
Donna Hall, chief executive of Wigan Council, said: “The first event of Jade’s Campaign went better than we could possibly have hoped.
“The people of Atherton turned out in force. It was a great start to what we hope will be a successful, long-term campaign.”
Mr Anderson said: “I was really pleased with the response of the community to this event.
“It was great to see so many dog owners getting advice and support. Hopefully it will make a big difference.”
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