Do I report my neighbour's aggressive dog?

I agree with you reporting the owners if the dog is harassing o yours and other people's dogs.

We're all entitled to enjoy walking our dogs without fear of others and if a dog cannot be controlled by its owners when off the lead, is should be kept on the lead.

make the statement.
you will not be saying anything that is untrue.
ask the council whether they can keep your name undisclosed.
either way, it's not worth taking the risk, report it.

A staffie and a pitbull are very different breeds Staffies are usually a very kind dog (I say usually) but a pitbull well they can be a different kettle of fish
It s not the dog s behaviour as it sounds reasonably normal it didn’t attack your little dog just bothered it but the fact it’s not kept on a lead
What are the laws in Australia about unleashed dogs !

Depends if you put a need to socialise above the safety of others Readerjb. If you have already spoken with the dog's owners and they have done nothing then you need to try other avenues open to you. I'm not sure what these would be in Australia.

I don't have a staffy but my dog is a rescue and also reactive and unfortunately dog did get through to my neighbours dog twice to have a go at it. I was absolutely mortified. The first time I fixed the fencing but obviously hadn't dog proofed it enough, the second time I went the whole hog. Nothing has happened since thank goodness. Dog is always on lead on walks. I certainly don't find it amusing what on earth s wrong with them?

Btw my neighbour was fine but I think it is mostly noise with my dog and jumping around squealing rather than actual fighting, even so, dog is my responsibility and it should never have happened

I own a Staffie and am a massive fan of the breed. They have a bad reputation but this is often due to the owners. My dog is a rescue and was badly treated before she came to live with us, she is anxious of anything new and reactive to other dogs BUT she is always on a lead to avoid any issues and she has been having training with a behaviourist for years. Pitbulls and Staffies are strong muscular dogs and could do a great deal of harm just by jumping up and knocking over a child or an older person so for this reason they should be on leads, plus we have this particular dogs behaviour to your dog. The law states that dogs should be under control in public spaces (not necessarily on a lead), it doesn't sound as if your neighbour had his dog under control. Many owners have little or no recall of their dogs which causes massive problems for those of us who have pets who don't like being approached. I am worried by the attitude of the owner who thinks they should be left to sort it out, very irresponsible, I would do the statement.

An out of control dog could inflict such awful injuries or even death. In your shoes I would rather report this dog to the appropriate authorities, asking to remain anonymous, than ignore it, perhaps with disastrous consequences.

The response you received from the owner of the dog
ie' smiled, let dogs sort it out',says it all.
If you have been asked to record a statement then my view is do it

PS bull terrier owners in my neighbourhood are aware of public fears of these dogs and they do keep then away from other dogs , even when the bulls are friendly.

Dogs sometimes do actually kill other dogs. This bull terrier owner as you describe them seems friendly at present, but ignorant of the risk of injury to smaller or older dogs from an unsocialised stronger dog. Ask the owner to stop her dog from approaching you or your dog, and to get the dog trained to come to heel.

Any bull terrier is a strong dog that requires an experienced owner. If the owners make light of their dog's aggression you need to speak frankly and if necessary impolitely to them and not be afraid to antagonise them. If they take the huff they are less friendly than you hope they are.

E.g. in a calm voice without smiling : "I'm bloody afraid of your dog and it is going to kill sooner or later unless you control it!"

I’ve checked the definition of “ menacing dog” on my council website. Dog must have either inflicted a non-serious injury on a person or dog, OR rushed at a person. He’s done neither, but scared three dogs and upset three owners

I agree with Esspee.
It also might be a good idea to video the aggression as proof.
Then send it to the right authority anonymously.

There are far too many dog attacks!!! Please do not be afraid to report. A difficult situation I agree , especially when you are friends with the dog owners. Discussing your fears with them may be productive.

Personally I would report a potentially dangerous dog. I could never forgive myself if a child was injured and I had done nothing.

Readerjb

On attack number two, I made my concerns clear. Both husband and wife (separately) seem quite amused by the reactions they get, from both dog and owner. It may be a staffie - I’m in Australia

I don’t think you need to be socialising with people like this, report and walk away from the friendship, if that’s what you have.

On attack number two, I made my concerns clear. Both husband and wife (separately) seem quite amused by the reactions they get, from both dog and owner. It may be a staffie - I’m in Australia

If it is a pit bull - highly unlikely - then it is an illegal breed.

Dogs have scraps, and they somehow don’t appreciate size or strength. They also take -for some unknown reason to humans- a dislike to each other.

Your best bet is to have a chat with your neighbour and see what a pair of adults can come up with as a solution.

Have you spoken to them about their dog? If not maybe a quick word, especially as if it attacks a child it could be a tragic outcome.
Pitballs as I understand are banned in this country and if they do exist it’s with strict conditions such as being muzzled in public, but certainly on a lead. It could be a Staffie that look quite similar.

I’m not sure if your can speak to the councils dog warden anonymously?

Hope you can get this resolved as it’s normally the dog that suffers in these circumstances. Best of luck x