Crazed Dobermann mauls two people at pet crematorium after owner went to bury dead guinea pig

A stock image of a Dobermann

A stock image of a Dobermann

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Jack Walters

By Jack Walters


Published: 13/11/2023

- 23:09

Updated: 14/11/2023

- 08:43

The canine, named Harlow, will not have to be put down

An out of control Dobermann has mauled two people at a pet crematorium after its owner went to bury a dead guinea pig.

The canine, named Harlow, will not have to be put down.


Michelle Hoscoke, from Gosport, won her fight to keep the pooch alive after a judge ruled it did not pose enough of a risk to warrant its destruction.

However, the 57-year-old was convicted of two counts of having a dog dangerously out of control.

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Harlow bit the crematorium owner and a visitor as Hoscoke fell over.

The female Dobermann left onlookers "paralysed with fear" during the horror incident.

The attack took place in September last year when Hiscoke was at Dignity Pet Crematorium in Hook, Hampshire.

Harlow was let out of Hiscoke’s car without her muzzle because the 57-year-old was worried about her pooch suffering in the heat.

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Hiscoke admitted the offences at Winchester Crown Court and was given a six-month community order, a two-month curfew of 9pm to 6am and an order to pay the victims £200 and £100 in compensation.

However, Judge Adam Feest KC ruled Harlow does not need to be destroyed but imposed five conditions.

Harlow will now be spayed, forced to wear a "basket style muzzle in public", kept on a head collar and double-ended lead.

The dog is not to be walked or in the sole custody of anyone under 18 and must be "placed behind a secure barrier when opening the door" at home.

A general view of Winchester Crown Court

A general view of Winchester Crown Court

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Judge Feest KC said: "The fact is it was 14 months ago and there's been no repetition or difficulties in the care of Ms Hiscoke.

"This is not a case that requires a destruction order but requires a contingent destruction order.

"What that means is there's a number of conditions placed on her care of Harlow and if they are broken that is very likely to result in a destruction order."

Responding to Hisocke's concerns about spaying the pooch, Judge Feest KC said: "I can fully understand the defendant's concerns, nevertheless this is a life or death case.

"The package [of five conditions] is designed to protect the public and the alternative is destruction.

"I sympathise with Ms Hiscoke's concerns about spaying but bearing in mind the offence and the management of the risk to the public, the conditions stay in place for a lifetime order."

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