Buster

Buster was a dog belonging to Roy Hattersley, a British politician and former Deputy Leader of the Labour Party. In 1996, Buster attacked and killed a goose in St. James’ Park, London. On 6 April, Hattersley was stopped and questioned by the police while returning home after walking Buster in the park. Buster was suspected of killing the goose, while not under Hattersley’s control, and a quick check revealed blood around his muzzle. As the goose was located in a Royal Park, it was the property of the Queen. The Royal connection, coupled with Hattersley’s prominent public position, led to national media coverage of the incident. He was charged with contravening Regulation 3(5)(b) of the Royal and Other Parks and Gardens Regulations 1977. On 20 November 1996, Hattersley pleaded guilty by letter, and was fined £25 for letting Buster off the lead (although he claimed that Buster had pulled the lead out of his hand), and £50 for letting him kill the goose. In 1998, Hattersley published Buster’s Diaries (as told to Roy Hattersley) which were purportedly the dog’s own thoughts on his life and relationship with his owner, and in which Buster was characterized as having acted in self-defense.