£14,000 compo after dog caused bicycle crash

4:22pm Wednesday 1st October 2008

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A FORMER RAF pilot who spent a month in hospital with a broken pelvis after a dog ran under the wheel of his bicycle has won £14,000 in compensation.

Ken MacLennan, 65, from Mill Lane in Malmesbury, was thrown over the handlebars of his bicycle when the Spaniel, who was not on a lead, while cycling through Badminton Estate in May 2006.

At the time of his accident Mr MacLennan, a keen cyclist and member of the UK’s national cyclists’ organisation CTC, was training for a competitive cycling race.

His injuries left him in hospital for a month and on crutches for a further three months. In total, he required six months off work and is still unable to walk long distances.

Mr MacLennan said: "My injuries left me unable to walk, drive or cycle and were incredibly painful. For six months I was unable to carry on my everyday life and I’m still not able to do all the things I used to do.

"My accident would never have happened if the dog in question had been better trained. Dog owners must act more responsibly and keep their dogs on a lead in public places if they know they are going to chase cyclists."

Recalling the accident Mr MacLennan added: "I tried to get up two or three times but I found I couldn’t move at all. I called my wife and said I need to be collected but a bit later I realised it was a lot more serious.

"My phone had run out of battery so the dog owner called for an ambulance."

After pursuing a civil claim against the dog owner, Mr MacLennan received a settlement paid for from the unnamed man’s pet insurance.

Paul Kitson of legal firm Russell Jones and Walker who represented Mr MacLennan, said: "Dog owners need to understand that they are legally responsible if their pet causes an accident such as this.

"Mr MacLennan’s injuries have disrupted his life completely and resulted in significant loss of earnings. He still suffers some discomfort and is unlikely to ever fully return to a full bill of health."

Chris Peck of CTC added: "All owners need to take their legal responsibility seriously and ensure their dog is under control and trained not to chase cyclists."