Killer dogs and irresponsible child carers

Does anybody know what breed of dog it was that mauled the child?

Mishap I don't think you need to duck. Lots of people don't like dogs. I am very fond of the critters but I'd never blame someone who wasn't.

'The type of owner that does that to a dog is usually the type of person who is dangerous around children as well.' Well said nightowl, thank you. Not applicable in every case I guess, but well worth bearing in mind. I think re-homing agencies must also bear some responsibility. 'Best as the only pet/with older children/experienced dog owners' are phrases all too often seen. I haven't had dogs for years - DH is a cat lover - but had a horrible experience with a rescued Old English Sheepdog which had been ill-treated in a previous life. Not his fault I suppose, but not my daughter's either, and wouldn't have happened at all if the hard decision to euthanise him had been taken.
Um. I do like animals really!!!

I love dogs and I don't believe there is any such thing as a bad dog until it's made that way by a dangerous owner. Sadly, once that has happened I agree there is no alternative but to have the dog put down as it can never be relied upon again. The type of owner that does that to a dog is usually the type of person who is dangerous around children as well.

I don't go with the 'guard dog' excuse, either Mishap. Agressive guard dogs are a menace when they are kept in domestic situations. Our Rhodesian Ridgeback (now sadly gone to a happier hunting ground) was a real softie and utterly reliable but I felt confident she would protect me should the need arise.

Yes greatnan - I understand that! I am ready to duck! But not everyone is besotted with them. I put humans first every time!

Having been a SW for many years and done hundreds of home visits I can honestly say that I had my fill of dogs and a bit more besides. It was interesting how the aggressive owners had the aggressive dogs.

It is hard for a non-dog-lover to see the point of keeping a dog that is unreliable around humans of any size - perhaps someone can enlighten me!! I think I am missing something! I have an open mind and am ready to listen to the reasons that currently elude me!

Possibly as well something to do with a child being smaller and more at eye level with a dog [isn't staring at a dog a sign of aggression to another dog?] and that a child might squeal in a way that a dog's prey might? Agree though that once a dog has attacked someone it will do so again [bit like a sheep worrier].

All the years we have homed rescued dogs we have never ever left them with any of our children or DGCs,I have had dogs and cats with my DCs since they where tiny babies and they have all been taught to respect animals,never go near a dog or cat that is eating or feeding babies this has always worked in our households throughout the years and my family are never tempted to go near dogs whose temperments they do not know.My old bassett Henry was the most placid of dogs and I knew he would never never harm any of the children but my own common sence would not let me leave him alone with a child.I feel so sorry for the injuries that has become this baby and hope that he recovers well and in time forgets this trumatic incident.I do believe in having a licience for dogs and for owners to be passed as a fully responsible person to own a dog.

Careful, mishap,I have felt the force of the dog lobby on an expat forum!

Poor child. Let down by parents, carer and neighbour. Some dogs suffer nervous agression which doesn't show up until the dog is put in an unfamiliar situation. A well behaved, confident dog probably wouldn't bat an eyelid if a child wandered into its territory but an agressive dog is a tragedy waiting to happen.

Agree wholeheartedly , think once they have attacked a human , can"t be trusted

I have three greyhounds (all rescue) who are faithful, gentle and loving pets but I would never ever leave my 3 DGC alone with them in a room or outside in the garden. Children must learn to respect dogs and other pets but often have no role model to follow.

Many people follow trends with dogs never giving a thought as to whether a certain breed of dog will fit in with their lifestyle. Reputable re-homing dog rescues charities will always (excuse the pun) vet possible owners first.

I always feel devastated to hear of horrible incidents where a child has been badly mauled by a dog and absolutely b****y furious with the irresponsible adults who are involved. I agree with petallus that sadly there is no other option but to have the dog destroyed.

OK - I will be controversial - I do not think anyone should keep a dog that is capable of doing such a thing and I am glad it has been put down.

To say that the carer should not have let the child out of his/her sight is reasonable (the child might have been run over) - but the fact that the neighbour should have a dog that could maul a child is the real crux of the matter.

I do not think anyone should have a dog that is not safe around children - it should be possible for any child to be near any dog and be safe. Why would anyone want to keep a dog that is unreliable around children? - beats me I have to say. The idea that "no child should be left alone with any dog" is completely outrageous in my book - it is incumbent on people not to keep dogs if they cannot safely be left with a child around.

Why do people make excuses for the wretched animals? - they are a darned nuisance when they are not human-friendly or trustworthy.

Dogs are pack animals who defend their territory - if that has not been bred out of them then they should not be in the vicinity of human beings.

I have many friends with dogs and they are properly trained and entirely reliable. There are absolutely no excuses for keeping dogs like this.

I certainly agree you can't blame the dogs in these cases.

It is an unusual occurence (statistically speaking) for a dog to maul a human, especially a child, and I think if a child strayed into it's garden, most dogs still would not do it. So partly huge bad luck.

But I think once a dog has shown it will do this kind of thing there is little option but to put it down.

It's just so awful to think of the effect on the child, his family and the dog owner.