A woman has been charged with animal cruelty offences after a Wigan teenager was mauled to death by a pack of ‘out of control’ dogs.
Jade Lomas-Anderson, 14, was killed by four dogs in Atherton, Greater Manchester, in March yet no one was ever prosecuted over her death.
Greater Manchester Police have now charged Beverley Concannon, 45, with three offences under the Animal Welfare Act.
Jade had been alone at her friend’s house when she was attacked by the dogs at Chaucer Grove, Atherton, on March 26.
When police arrived they were confronted by four dogs that were aggressive and later had to be put down. Jade tragically died at the scene.
Concannon, of Almond Grove, Worsley Hall, Wigan, has been charged with two offences under Section 4 (1) and one offence under Section 9 (1) of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Elizabeth Reed, Branch Crown Prosecutor, CPS North West, said: “This is a very sad case in which a young girl tragically lost her life. We have given it the meticulous attention it deserves and have considered all possible prosecution outcomes.”
Ms Reed explained that the four dogs were not prohibited breeds and were not out of control in a public place so it was not possible for any criminal charges to be brought under Dangerous Dogs legislation.
However, Ms Reed today authorised the police to charge Beverley Concannon with three offences under the Animal Welfare Act.
Ms Reed said: “The charges relate to the conditions in which she kept the four dogs at her home address and her failure to exercise reasonable care and supervision of them.”
Concannon is due before Wigan Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday October 1.
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