Love Island champion Jack Fincham has been sentenced to six weeks in jail for dangerous dog offences following an incident where his unruly Cane Corso bit a jogger. The reality TV star was also fined £3,580 by the court, including compensation fees to the victims. Fincham, who will pay off the penalty in installments after his release, was accompanied by his girlfriend, The Only Way Is Essex personality Chloe Brockett, who was emotional during the sentencing at Southend Magistrates’ Court.
The legal issues arose after Fincham’s dog, Elvis, attacked a man in Essex last June, although no serious injuries were reported. Another incident on September 23, 2022, involved the Cane Corso injuring a man in Kent. This isn’t the first time Fincham faced criticism over his choice of dog, with previous controversy surrounding the purchase of a Doberman with cropped ears from Russia, a practice illegal in the UK.
Concerns have been raised regarding the increasing popularity of Cane Corsos as “status” dogs, following the ban of American XL Bullies in the country. Dr. Samantha Gaines, an expert on dog welfare from the RSPCA, highlighted the importance of responsible pet ownership amidst these trends. Despite the surge in interest in Cane Corsos, the majority of these large breeds are cared for lovingly within families across the UK.
The sentencing of Jack Fincham serves as a reminder of the importance of proper dog training and responsible ownership to prevent such incidents from occurring. It is crucial for pet owners to understand the needs of their animals and ensure they do not pose a danger to others in the community. Authorities and organisations like the RSPCA play a vital role in promoting responsible pet ownership and safeguarding both animals and the public.