Former Love Island star Jack Fincham has found himself embroiled in controversy after his Cane Corso dog, Elvis, was involved in two alarming incidents of aggressive behavior, leading to his recent six-week imprisonment for dangerous dog offenses.
On September 2022, 42-year-old runner Robert Sudell was minding his own business when he was bitten by Fincham's dog near their homes in Swanley, Kent. The attack resulted in injuries to Sudell's arm. Initially, Sudell accepted Fincham's apology, which opened the door for Fincham to participate in a responsible dog ownership course. Prosecutor Erin Peck recounted this episode during the recent court proceedings.
Despite Fincham's earlier agreement to conditions for moving forward, including keeping Elvis muzzled, the situation deteriorated. Just months later, another incident occurred, this time involving a woman who was grabbed by the leg by the same dog during another uncontrolled episode, thankfully resulting in no injuries.
Following these incidents, Fincham pleaded guilty to two counts of being the owner of a dangerously out of control dog, one of which caused injury. He was sentenced to six weeks imprisonment but was released on bail, pending his appeal. The judgment came with hefty financial penalties, totaling £3,680, which included £200 compensation to Sudell and additional costs.
Public reaction to the situation has been mixed, with the former reality star spotted shortly after his brief prison stint shopping at Tesco, appearing upbeat alongside his on-again, off-again girlfriend, Chloe Brockett.
Concerns around Cane Corsos are intensifying, particularly as the breed has become increasingly popular following recent legislation banning XL bully-type dogs across the UK. Often referred to as "like XL bullies on steroids," Cane Corsos are large, powerful mastiffs known for their strength and protectiveness. They can weigh as much as 50kg and possess formidable guarding instincts. Rob Alleyne, of the Canine Instructor Academy, remarked, "It's a killing machine and they’ve become much more popular now."
The burgeoning interest raises alarms among dog experts, including Dr. Samantha Gaines from the RSPCA, who expressed concerns about the use of such breeds as "status dogs." "Sadly, since the XL bully was banned last year, it was inevitable attention would shift onto another large, powerful breed," she noted. The Cane Corso breed does not have any specific legal restrictions in the UK and is not recognized by the UK Kennel Club, contributing to its growing appeal among potential owners.
With the right training and socialization, the Cane Corso can be part of loving, responsible families. The People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) explains, "Cane Corsos are sociable and loving dogs who enjoy the company of their owners... If you decide one is right for you, they’ll be your loyal friend for life." They advise, though, cautioning potential owners about suitability, especially around small children, as the breed can inadvertently cause injuries due to their size.
Fincham's case highlights broader societal issues around dog ownership and emphasizes the need for responsible care. "Owners have to take responsibility for their dogs, and on these occasions, this dog was dangerously out of control," Sergeant Alex Watkins stated, underlining the importance of adhering to laws governing pet ownership and ensuring safety within the community.
While the XL bully ban aimed to mitigate the dangers posed by specific breeds, experts warn of unintended consequences, including the potential rise of the Cane Corso as the next 'status' dog among those seeking large, imposing pets. The impact of breed bans can lead to shifts within the canine market, pushing prospective owners toward less regulated breeds.
Fincham's struggles with his dog have once again placed the spotlight on the responsibilities of pet ownership. With his honeymoon period as the beloved reality star now overshadowed by legal troubles and public scrutiny, the case serves as a reminder of the significant responsibility and care needed when raising powerful breeds. The key to preventing future incidents lies not just with penalties for owners like Fincham, but also with education on responsible ownership and the traits of different breeds.
Both the case and the concerns surrounding Cane Corsos provoke questions about safety, legality, and the cultural fascination with owning potentially dangerous dogs. While ownership of such breeds remains legal, it is the owner's duty to manage the risks involved, ensuring public safety and the well-being of the pet. The ramifications of neglecting these duties can lead to tragic outcomes, as seen with previous incidents involving aggressive dogs.