York Man Fined £2,762 for Dangerous Dog Incidents and Public Safety Breach

A York man has been ordered to pay £2,762 after his dogs were found to be dangerously out of control, causing distress to local residents. Kyle Muir, aged 30, of Thoresby Road, faced York Magistrates’ Court on 13 May 2026, following multiple complaints about his three dogs escaping and behaving aggressively.

Repeated Incidents

The trouble began in November 2024 when Muir's dogs started entering neighbouring gardens. This behaviour escalated over time, with the dogs not only causing damage but also displaying aggressive tendencies. Neighbours became increasingly concerned, leading them to report the incidents to the City of York Council.

Despite receiving a warning and a notice to stop the troubling behaviour, the situation did not improve. On 30 September 2025, two of Muir's dogs broke into a neighbour's garden and attacked another dog, which required veterinary treatment for its injuries. This alarming event highlighted the seriousness of the issue and led to further scrutiny of Muir's ability to control his pets.

Ongoing Issues

From September 2025 to January 2026, residents reported that the dogs continued to escape, causing a nuisance and barking persistently, which left many feeling distressed and unsafe. The local council and North Yorkshire Police intervened and discovered that one of Muir's dogs, named Fendi, was an unregistered XL Bully type. In January 2026, Muir admitted he could no longer control Fendi and asked authorities to take the dog away.

Legal Consequences

Muir was invited to attend an interview under caution regarding the incidents but failed to appear or respond to follow-up inquiries. Eventually, he appeared in court on 13 May 2026, where he pleaded guilty to charges related to dangerous dogs and anti-social behaviour. He expressed remorse for his actions and agreed to pay the vet's bill for the injured dog.

The magistrates took the matter seriously and imposed a fine of £2,762 on Muir. This total included £500 in compensation for the owner of the dog that had been attacked. The ruling aims to underline the importance of responsible dog ownership and the potential consequences of failing to control pets.

Public Space Protection Order

The case comes in the wake of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) that has been in place across York since 1 June 2025. This order requires all dog owners to keep their pets under proper control at all times. Cllr Michael Pavlovic, Executive Member of City of York Council, emphasised the importance of this legislation, stating, “Failing to train and control dogs is not acceptable and can be dangerous.”

He further encouraged residents to report any concerns about dangerous dogs or anti-social behaviour. The council is working closely with North Yorkshire Police to ensure that community safety is prioritised. Early reporting of issues allows for swift enforcement actions, helping to protect the neighbourhood.

Community Responsibility

Residents are reminded of their responsibilities as dog owners and the need to ensure that their pets do not pose a threat to others. More information on expected behaviours for dog owners can be found on the City of York Council’s website. Concerns can be reported by emailing neo@york.gov.uk or calling 01904 551555.

This case serves as a reminder to all pet owners in York about the importance of keeping their dogs under control and the serious implications of failing to do so. The community's safety relies on responsible pet ownership, and the council is committed to addressing any issues that arise effectively.