dogs

25 Avalon, I had a similar experience near the children’s play area in our park. My grandchildren were using the equipment, supervised by grandpa. I was teaching my 5 month old lab to sit quietly outside the play area.
I have always believed all dogs should be on lead near the play area. Anyone who sees on on lead dog either puts theirs on lead or if we’ll trained, gets their dog to heel ignoring everything.
I believe we are heading for significant trouble as all these poorly socialised, untrained, frankly spoiled ‘fur babies’ continue to cause mayhem.

I have always had rescue dogs since a child and had quite difficult rescues sometimes when my children were young. I really don't understand why people are so reckless as to let a dog off lead or alone with children who cannot be trusted. the dog I have now is also a rescue and does have some issues but I keep it on lead and know when it might act out of character and it isn't even aggressive!

that said i have met enough idiots who have dogs who let them come and have a go at mine on lead

Agree with OP and PPs. I have two dogs, both working dogs - not always the best behaved dogs as no dog is,but they are ALWAYS on the lead due to living in an area that has a lot of livestock. I have a secure garden where they can run to their heart's content with no neighbours close. Outside of our boundary, they're on the lead. There is a large problem of far too many dogs in the UK, and while many would recommend rescues, people don't always know what they're getting. Backyard breeding is a growing problem, but I think the amount of rescue centres is telling of the problem the UK has with dogs that are in need of rehoming.

I do agree that so many children aren't aware how to treat dogs, same can be said for adults. Dogs are canines, they should be treated as canines and not fluffy toys or accessories. The root of the dog pandemic is very much that we now have far too many dogs in need of rehoming.

I took my 5 month old lab on a lead last Sunday to the recreation ground with my dd and gd who were going into the fenced off children’s playground. As I waited loads of big dogs came charging in off their leads to run round the rec field. Yes they were friendly dogs (labs) who responded to their owners but my little puppy was terrified and any little tots could easily have been knocked over.

Absolutely Dee1012- who decides who should or shouldn't have dogs though? It is a political hot potato no one will touch. It will take something very serious before anything is done.

My father bred German Shepherds and I grew up surrounded by these beautiful dog's. I was also taught by my parents how to behave around animals.
I've had dog's all of my life and like another poster said, none have ever bitten or hurt another human or animal simply because they were/are trained and socialised properly, they are on a lead outdoors and their recall is 100%.
I've often thought that children should be taught how to behave around animals in school if parents won't or can't, last week alone a total of 3 children ran up to my dog's to stroke them, one little girl even threw her arms around my big lad's neck for a cuddle! At no point did they or their parents ask if they could / were my dog's okay with this etc! ...I do believe this would help in some way and I'M NOT in any way excusing dog attacks.
It's also far too easy to obtain a dog without any knowledge of the breed or its needs.
It's a massive issue...

Far too many people own dogs who shouldn’t, simple as that

Interesting article but says little about prosecution/fines or prison terms. Sounds to me that some would protect dogs rather than children. Dogs are animals and should be respected a s such.

I like to think I’m generally a tolerant person but I do think something needs to be done about this
www.google.co.uk/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2021/apr/15/dog-bite-britain-the-problem-with-the-pandemic-puppy-explosion

I own a three year old spaniel and six month old lab. I’ve always lived with dogs, rescued and fostered several. I’ve never had a dog who attacked another dog or human.
I read this week, there are 2million more dogs in the UK since lock down. I sometimes feel most of these are running wild in areas I’ve walked my dogs safely for years.
My dog trainer friends are inundated with young dogs / 6 month old puppies whose owners never had a dog before, and struggling.
I’m going to ask Google but my understanding is owners can and have been prosecuted as a result of their dogs behaviour.

Yep- most people are responsible and sensible dog owners just as most people don't go around attacking others. The difference is their is a law protecting me from being attacked on the street by a person, but not one that protects me from a dog.
A minority of dog owners know this and use that freedom to endanger others without redress.

Absolutely agree keepingquiet I am a dog lover but despair of the irresponsible owners who put people in danger.

The law is incapable of doing anything against dog owners and so they get away with murder. I believe the law should be changed so any attack endangering life should hold a severe sentence for the dog owner. Nothing will be done because no one dare campaign for it as it would lose votes.