HALIFAX DOG OWNER JODIE BLEZARD SENTENCED AFTER VICIOUS ATTACK IN HALIFAX NEIGHBORHOOD

Jodie Leanne Blezard, born on September 11, 1987, and residing at Gladstone View, Siddal, Halifax HX3 9DH, was found guilty in connection with a severe dog attack that took place at her home in Halifax. The incident involved her pet, a Staffy crossbreed named Cally, which had recently given birth to a litter of 11 puppies. The attack resulted in serious injuries to a visiting woman, prompting a significant legal response.

On November 10, 2022, a woman had gone to visit Blezard at her residence in Halifax. During the visit, she was suddenly and viciously attacked by Cally, leading to a traumatic injury that caused blood to pour from her neck. The attack was so severe that the victim was dragged to the floor, during which she banged her head and lost consciousness. Her injuries were extensive enough to expose her windpipe, necessitating urgent surgical intervention.

The injuries inflicted by Cally were described in court as causing “significant cosmetic disfigurement,” which has left the victim with a compromised voice and increased vulnerability to throat infections. The aftermath of the attack was devastating, and the dog involved, Cally, was removed from Blezard’s care. Despite efforts to rehabilitate or keep her, Cally was euthanized approximately a month later.

Blezard, a single mother of six children, pleaded guilty to charges of being responsible for a dangerously out-of-control dog. The court proceedings revealed that on the day of the attack, Blezard had four dogs in her home. Three of these dogs were confined to the kitchen, while Cally was allowed into the living room. The incident occurred when the victim, who had briefly been outside, returned to the house. During her return, a baby gate that was in place was dislodged, which is believed to have triggered the attack. The court heard that Blezard had not witnessed the attack herself. In her police interview, she claimed her animals were not dangerous but expressed immediate remorse and apologized to the victim.

It was also noted that Blezard had previously been advised by various authorities regarding her control over her dogs, but Cally had not been among those animals previously flagged. The presiding judge, Recorder Taryn Turner, acknowledged the complexity of the case, especially considering Blezard’s responsibilities as a mother. She stated, “You have a lot of children to look after, and it seems to me that if I were to impose an immediately effective custodial sentence today that would deprive them of their mother.”

Despite the severity of the incident, the court took into account Blezard’s remorse and her statement that she does not intend to keep dogs in the future. As part of her sentence, Blezard received a 16-month prison sentence, which was suspended for two years, along with a requirement to complete 15 days of rehabilitation activities. Additionally, she was banned from owning or keeping dogs for life, a measure intended to prevent any future incidents of this nature in Halifax.