Ashman, Faye

Faye Ashman was convicted in July 2004 of allowing a fighting dog to be in a public place without a muzzle or lead. Ms Ashman received an order under section 25 of the Public Order Act 1986 for the dog to be destroyed.

The CCRC received an application for review of the destruction order in August 2005.

Ms Ashman submitted that the destruction order should not be upheld because there were suitable keepers available for her dog.

These keepers had indicated that they were willing and able to look after the dog. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals had assessed that the keepers would be suitable.

Following review, the CCRC concluded there was a real possibility the Crown Court would find that it had the power to order a transfer of keepership and would do so on the basis that the prospective keepers would make exemplary carers and therefore the dog would not be a danger to public safety.

This was based on relevant legislation which stated that a destruction order may not be made where the court is satisfied that “the dog would not constitute a danger to public safety”.

The CCRC referred the destruction order in July 2007.

The appeal was subsequently abandoned.