Tiny Chihuahua on 'Death Row' after Savaging Woman

A Chihuahua named Chelsea faces a possible destruction order after a court heard the dog bit a woman inside a southwest London home, according to the Daily Mirror.

The dog leaped up and bit Andrea McGann at a property on Glebe Way in Twickenham on March 29, a court heard. Owner Aaron Fox, 27, was charged with being in charge of a dog that was dangerously out of control and causing injury.

Fox denied the charge and asked the court to halt the trial, arguing that the Dangerous Dogs Act did not cover incidents on private property, according to the Mirror's account of the proceedings.

The law on that point changed in 2014. An amendment to the Dangerous Dogs Act made it an offense for a dog to be dangerously out of control in any place, including on private property. Prosecutors said they intended to continue with the case at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court.

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"The crown is still proceeding," prosecutor Kirsten Marienah told the court, according to the Mirror. The dog had been taken into custody pending the outcome. Further details, including any resolution of the case, were not available in the report.

How Dangerous-Dog and Destruction Laws Generally Work

In England and Wales, the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 governs cases in which a dog injures a person or is judged dangerously out of control. Following a 2014 amendment, the law applies in any place, including the owner's home, according to U.K. government guidance published at GOV.UK.

Where a court finds a dog dangerously out of control, the penalties can range from fines and behavior conditions to, in the most serious cases, a destruction order for the animal. Courts can also impose a contingent destruction order, which allows a dog to live under conditions such as muzzling, neutering or secure containment rather than being euthanized. The specific outcome depends on the facts of each case and on whether the court considers the dog a continuing risk to public safety.

Rules differ by country. Owners facing a case are generally advised to seek legal advice, because the law, the available defenses and the possible outcomes vary by jurisdiction.

What the Research Says About Preventing Dog Bites

Most dog bites are preventable, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, which runs an annual Dog Bite Prevention campaign. The association advises that small children should never be left alone with a dog, that people should ask before petting an unfamiliar animal, and that a dog showing stress signals such as a tucked tail, raised hackles, lip licking or a stiff posture should be given space.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals notes that biting is often rooted in fear, pain or guarding behavior rather than temperament alone, and that early socialization, consistent training and veterinary care for pain or illness can reduce the risk. Small breeds are not exempt. A dog of any size can bite if it feels cornered or threatened.

Where to Find Behavior Help

Owners worried about a dog's aggression have several options. Veterinarians can rule out a medical cause for sudden behavior changes and refer cases to a specialist. Board-certified veterinary behaviorists can be located through the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, and credentialed trainers through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. The American Veterinary Medical Association's bite-prevention resources, available at avma.org, outline warning signs and steps owners can take before an incident occurs. Addressing a problem early, while a dog is still in the home, is generally easier than after a bite has been reported.