Man, 40, is first charged with ‘dognapping’ after woman attacked and pet stolen

A man accused of trying to kill a woman during a street attack is also thought to be the first suspect charged under new ‘dognapping’ laws.

Julian Mead, 40, has been charged with attempted murder, making a threat with an offensive weapon in public and taking a dog so as to keep it from the person with lawful control.

It is believed to be the first case of its kind since the Pet Abduction Act (2024) came into force in August.

Emergency services were called to Bells Lane in Cinderhill, Nottingham, shortly before 9.30pm on October 1, after a woman was found with serious injuries.

The woman, in her 40s, was taken to hospital with injuries that were serious but not life-threatening.

A dog was later reported stolen from an adjacent property.