SUDDENLY we seem to be hearing all too often about dog attacks on other dogs. And you know it is not because the number of such attacks has shot up but that more are being reported. It has always been there... but it is a worry.

The vast majority of dogs are loving and gentle but what is becoming ever more apparent is that there must be a lot of dangerous dogs out there.

Today’s report about how a blind man’s guide dog, Nathan, became short of the confidence needed to perform his role after a vicious attack by another dog highlights the gravity of the problem. The added fact that Nathan’s replacement, Autumn, has also been set upon by other dogs and it’s clear something needs to be done.

If, as records show, no fewer than eight guide dogs are attacked every month, the question arises of just how many other gentle dogs are suffering attacks every month? Or every day?

The bigger question is what is being done about this nasty problem?