A dog walker was in charge of seven dogs who repeatedly attacked both people and their pets, a court heard. Terrance Peckham, known as 'Terry the dog walker' took his dogs out near Brighton Racecourse in Sussex.
A man and his cockapoo were both injured after a pack of dogs Peckham was walking were out of control in November 2021. On another occasion, when the 67 year old was walking seven dogs in fields near the racecourse, another man suffered injuries to his arms and legs after being attacked. Shortly afterwards the same man was again attacked by dogs in Peckham's care and this time both he and his dog were bitten.
A Sussex Police spokesperson said: "A witness described recognising ‘Terry the dog walker’, suggesting Peckham was well-known in the area."
Peckham, of Walpole Terrace in Brighton, was subsequently arrested and charged with three counts of having dogs dangerously out of control causing injury. At Brighton Magistrates’ Court he pleaded guilty to all three counts and was given a three-year criminal behaviour order restricting him to walking no more than two dogs at a time, which must be muzzled and on a maximum of one metre lead. He was also given a suspended prison sentence of six months that would be activated should he breach the order.
Inspector Gemma Firth said: “Terrance Peckham was notorious among dog walkers in Brighton for his flagrant disregard for their safety. His lack of control over his dogs endangered walkers and their animals, resulting in multiple injuries and risking much more serious consequences.
“This behaviour order should send a clear message that we will use all the powers available to protect the public and, should Peckham breach this order, he faces a jail sentence. I would like to commend the officer in charge of this investigation for their dedication and commitment to building a case of such strength that Peckham felt he had no choice but to plead guilty."
