What’s being done about dog attacks?

CONCERN: There must be a lot of dangerous dogs out there CONCERN: There must be a lot of dangerous dogs out there

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?

Comments(5)

uvox44 says...
1:06pm Fri 15 Jun 12

the law as i understand it is that dogs MUST be kept on leads in public (please correct me if I'm in error) - so is this ever enforced?

funkychicken_83 says...
2:29pm Fri 15 Jun 12

The law is that dogs must be on leads on a public highway, not public places.

H2o-hara says...
4:59pm Fri 15 Jun 12

For 10 years I had mine on leads , only this trait was confounded by those that didn't bother with leads as they thought their dogs wouldn't hurt a fly. Dogs communicate with each other showing their eyes , teeth and body language .If a child is at the same level as the dog by sitting in a pushchair . The dog assumes it's being confronted and will attack . My sympathy goes out also to the guide dog in this story , as they take months and cost thousands to train.

goatty says...
7:15pm Fri 15 Jun 12

H2o-hara wrote:
For 10 years I had mine on leads , only this trait was confounded by those that didn't bother with leads as they thought their dogs wouldn't hurt a fly. Dogs communicate with each other showing their eyes , teeth and body language .If a child is at the same level as the dog by sitting in a pushchair . The dog assumes it's being confronted and will attack . My sympathy goes out also to the guide dog in this story , as they take months and cost thousands to train.
Sounds like your dog had a bundle of fun being kept on a lead on all the time. Dogs need exercise and that means them running about and enjoying their owners 'play' time. It certainly does not mean them being kept on a lead.
People are very quick to blame certain breeds. It is moronic owners of some dogs who cause problems. If we put it in human terms, a 15 year school boy who attacks another boy, does not mean that all 15 yr olds are aggressive. The same is to be said for dogs. One attack by a certain breed does not mean that all dogs in that breed are dangerous

funkychicken_83 says...
8:46pm Fri 15 Jun 12

H2o-hara wrote:
For 10 years I had mine on leads , only this trait was confounded by those that didn't bother with leads as they thought their dogs wouldn't hurt a fly. Dogs communicate with each other showing their eyes , teeth and body language .If a child is at the same level as the dog by sitting in a pushchair . The dog assumes it's being confronted and will attack . My sympathy goes out also to the guide dog in this story , as they take months and cost thousands to train.
I think you need to learn more about dog behaviour as a dog will not just attack a child in a pushchair as it is at their level. Problems arise when owners do not socialise their dogs and teach them what is and what is not acceptable, not because someone is at their level. In fact, dogs tend to find someone standing over them far more intimidating that someone that lowers themself to their level. I also agree with H2o-hara, dogs need off lead exercise and mental stimulation, and without it behavioural problems are far more likely to occur.

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