Another child killed in dog attack

Luckygirl, we can walk our dog for miles every day in open countryside and through woods without seeing another person or dog. Why should he have to be put on a lead under those circumstances? None of us on here have said we are against tighter measures or licensing - but therein lies the rub. It's not the likes of us who are causing the problems, it's the irresponsible owners. But cases like this always bring out the kneejerk reactions in the dog-hating brigade.

Dinahmo

Kate1949

With respect GSM, and this isn't meant to be a dig, but people are perfectly entitled to have a deep dislike of dogs as long as they are doing no harm to them.

What about all those people for whom a dog is a genuine life line. Especially the older generation.

I watch the programme "In the Dog House" at the Digs' Trust. There's often older people who go to find a companion because they want company and also a reason to get up and go out. Last night an elderly lady aged 85 (co-founder of Rigby and Peller) whose husband of 60 years had died. They selected a Bassett Hound for her which she bonded with fairly quickly. Upon reflection she decided that the dog was big for her so she is still looking. But many find the right dog on their first visit.

😀
When I took our first dog to dog training classes, there was a Basset Hound there with its owner, a young man.
This Basset Hound, daft as a brush, very gentle but clever too, would refuse to follow any commands. He would roll on to his back and just lie there. They're quite heavy dogs to shift too.

I do not think there are 2 "brigades" .. haters
and obsessives. That is too black and white. There are those of us whose experience of dogs has been very negative indeed and it would be odd if we did not wish to prevent the dog lovers from allowing their animals to invade their space and make a nuisance/danger of themselves.

I think both sides would agree that steps need to be taken to improve things, but it is inevitable that it will be hard to agree over the degree of action that should be taken
A PP said that her dog is off the lead in a very open area and she should be allowed to do this ... but what about others who wish to use that same open area unmolested?
I think we should be looking at very strict measures even if dog lovers have to face restrictions they do not like. I, and others, do not like the situation as it is.... should those people have no say? Should the dog lovers' wishes always be paramount?

The trouble is, Kate and Lucky, the thinking of those who dislike dogs is coloured by that dislike, which means they don’t focus on the real problems which threaten all of us - the dangerous dogs which need to be banned and the morons who keep and breed them. It’s totally unrealistic to say, for example, that dogs should be banned from towns and that everybody should be provided with a dog dazer. Nobody is saying that dog lovers’ wishes should be paramount, simply that we all need to keep a sense of perspective.

This is seriously concerning

twitter.com/CrimeLdn/status/1621205178388021250?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1621205178388021250%7Ctwgr%5E5fcd483fc97f65a3b33021893d66436c9825fc5b%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lbc.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fpolice-restrain-dog-bites-child-mile-end%2F

and of course, no sign of owner, and I bet the dog is not microchipped. Poor child, poor dog- that will de destroyed. Criminal b*st*rd owner.

I’m not on Twitter so can’t read it, but prefer to get news from sources other than social media.

A PP said that her dog is off the lead in a very open area and she should be allowed to do this ... but what about others who wish to use that same open area unmolested?

Which is why dogs and owners should be well-trained.

Most dogs won't run up to anyone and molest them when they're out off lead and busy enjoying themselves sniffing around.
They're as interested in you as you are in them.
But that is why recall training is essential.

I will say that some owners don't persist with enough training.
And I cannot bear to see dogs eating off their owners' plates in cafes and restaurants.

Can't access it, sorry, FleurPepper, it's restricted.
Surely not another one?

Germanshepherdsmum

I’m not on Twitter so can’t read it, but prefer to get news from sources other than social media.

It could be this, GSM, (it's the DM!)
www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11709363/Moment-police-struggle-restrain-vicious-dog-bites-child-stunned-onlookers.html

No owner around?

A friend was bitten by a dog recently as he just walked along the road near his home. The dog was on a lead but lurched forward and went for his leg. The young male owner was rude and unhelpful and just left our friend there.

There is a problem with some owners and some dogs.
There are also a lot of dogs suffering at the hands of irresponsible owners.

Callistemon. Yes of course people love their dogs. I also understand that people have them for company and assistance dogs are wonderful. What I mean is that people have a right to dislike dogs as they have the right to dislike anything else.

Kate1949

*Callistemon*. Yes of course people love their dogs. I also understand that people have them for company and assistance dogs are wonderful. What I mean is that people have a right to dislike dogs as they have the right to dislike anything else.

I'm not arguing 🤔

I don't think I said people had no right to dislike dogs, correct me if I'm wrong.

No you didn't. Apologies.

It's ok.

I did say that owners (probably) love their dog(s) but it doesn't mean they love all dogs.

I'm not keen on cats (ducks for cover) oh, here she comes 🐈

Germanshepherdsmum

The trouble is, Kate and Lucky, the thinking of those who dislike dogs is coloured by that dislike, which means they don’t focus on the real problems which threaten all of us - the dangerous dogs which need to be banned and the morons who keep and breed them. It’s totally unrealistic to say, for example, that dogs should be banned from towns and that everybody should be provided with a dog dazer. Nobody is saying that dog lovers’ wishes should be paramount, simply that we all need to keep a sense of perspective.

Perspective is a challenge when children's lives are at stake.
And when my and others' freedom are curtailed ... lovely common near me ... Great for walking if you fancy running the gauntlet of the dogs.

Thanks Calli. If the police were trying to find the owner it may have been abandoned, unchipped and without ID tag - both illegal - and may have been terrified. Problems with some dogs and some owners, indeed, but it has to start with the owners without whom we would not have dangerous dogs. Sorry to hear about your friend and I hope he’s ok.

Of course people have a right to dislike dogs Kate. There are living creatures that I absolutely hate - spiders for one, which some people keep as pets. 😱

Luckygirl3

Germanshepherdsmum

The trouble is, Kate and Lucky, the thinking of those who dislike dogs is coloured by that dislike, which means they don’t focus on the real problems which threaten all of us - the dangerous dogs which need to be banned and the morons who keep and breed them. It’s totally unrealistic to say, for example, that dogs should be banned from towns and that everybody should be provided with a dog dazer. Nobody is saying that dog lovers’ wishes should be paramount, simply that we all need to keep a sense of perspective.

Perspective is a challenge when children's lives are at stake.
And when my and others' freedom are curtailed ... lovely common near me ... Great for walking if you fancy running the gauntlet of the dogs.

Hundreds of people are killed by drunk drivers every year - yet we already have laws against drink driving. Simply bringing in more stringent laws won't necessarily prevent more deaths. As I said, we can walk for miles through open countryside and woods and never encounter another human or dog, so why should my dog have to be put on a leash under those circumstances? He is on a lead at other times.

Perspective may be a challenge but it’s vital Lucky. Your freedom is probably largely curtailed by your dislike of dogs. Have you considered that you are in a minority? Blondiescot makes valid points.

Germanshepherdsmum

I’m not on Twitter so can’t read it, but prefer to get news from sources other than social media.

I am not either. You can just click on it. It is a video of the Police unable to control the dog at all.

An ordinary policeman probably wouldn’t be able to control it. Dog handler needed.

Please don't forget that there are those who have very very good reasons to dislike dogs.

As they like to remind us at every possible opportunity...

Most definitely dog handler needed that dog looks terrified

Blondiescot

As they like to remind us at every possible opportunity...

It I important to recognise that there are victims of dog's behaviour who cannot be expected to like them. Unfortunately there are those who need reminding.

rosie1959

Most definitely dog handler needed that dog looks terrified

It does look terrified and a powerful, terrified dog poses a risk.

I spent two hours on moorland footpaths with with my young lab this afternoon. I was working with a trainer, helping this boisterous, over friendly boy to stay within the safe distance from me and come immediately when called. He had a long line trailing so we had some control if needed, thankfully it wasn’t. We met four other people, walking their own dogs off lead. These were ‘dog people’ who recognised we were training and helped the process.

There was no need for any of the dogs to be on lead. There are other places and circumstances where dogs do need to be on lead

If true what I have read today that the dog had come from a rescue only 6 weeks ago and was a Pit bull X Husky.surely the rescue should be held partly responsible
Ae.
I thought rescues usually didn't rehome dogs to people with young children..I
I don't understand why parents would rehome that kind of dog after all the attacks by these kinds of dogs on people either