A man is walking regularly in my area with a pair of Staffordshire bull terriers both off lead and one muzzled. They are completely out of control and their owner just couldn't care less. They have bullied Lady (pinning her and barking and growling in her face). They have attacked and injured at least two other dogs and their owner just says "your dog started it it's your fault". Several people I know have called 101 to complain just to be told he got in first and said their dog attacked his dogs. In any case they aren't interested as dog-on-dog is not legislated against. Just mentioning it to blow off steam. Us dog walkers are now starting to walk in groups in case we come across this creep and his dogs. Nasty! One of these days his dogs will have a go at a human I fear!
Re: It only takes a couple of uncontrolled dogs to spoil things. Oh dear, that's not good David I think your post should maybe read "It only takes one irresponsible owner to spoil things". You would think if one of the dogs is muzzled that either there has been trouble before and he is taking aversive action, which might suggest some degree of "responsibility", or there has been previous complaints and he has been instructed to use it? Whichever way, what a shame. I always think of your countryside as idyllic.........
Re: It only takes an irresponsible owner with uncontrolled dogs to spoil things. The fact that he has got in first with a report makes it look like he is 'covering his back'. Such a shame,a situation like that makes you nervous to come across them when out walking
Re: It only takes an irresponsible owner with uncontrolled dogs to spoil things. I know just how you feel David as I've had similar things happen to me. It does ruin a lovely walk when something like that happens. The fact that one of his dogs is muzzled means he knows what his dogs are like and that fact that he has reported the incident before someone else does indeed sound like he's covering his own back. Has anyone been in touch with the local dog warden? The police won't do anything as it's not a criminal offence for a dog to attack another dog unless its a service dog or someone gets bitten in the incident, however if the dog wardens get enough complaints they will certainly pay the man a visit and may even slap him with a control order.
Re: It only takes an irresponsible owner with uncontrolled dogs to spoil things. I've had it happen to me too David when I was in Devon. Meg got attacked by 2 german shepherds, even after owner calling out that they were fine. Other dog walkers came to our rescue and luckily meg wasn't injured. It's difficult to know what to do. If this person is out walking in the same area at the same time of day then i would say get the dog warden involved, taking a video would be good, but then you don't want to be seen doing it. It's a good idea to walk in a group. Good luck
Re: It only takes an irresponsible owner with uncontrolled dogs to spoil things. Really sorry David, that's horrid
Re: It only takes an irresponsible owner with uncontrolled dogs to spoil things. How horrible It only takes one person to ruin it for everyone else!
Re: It only takes an irresponsible owner with uncontrolled dogs to spoil things. My goodness, how horrible. Takes all the joy out of a nice walk with your dog, I'm sure! Maybe if enough people complain about this man the authorities will investigate?
Re: It only takes an irresponsible owner with uncontrolled dogs to spoil things. I had something similar going on many years ago when I lived in town. I frequented a large off-leash dog park with my two, very mellow dogs, and usually had a great time. I ran into a man with two aggressive and unpredictable Chow mixes that harassed my dogs every time we ran into them. The last time I saw them coming, I called sweet Molly to heel (my male dog was way out, cruising for squirrels), stood quietly, and held my extra leash ready to repel an attack, if one came. The dogs and owners walked past, then turned and yelled at me about my readiness to "attack their dogs". The exchange resulted in the man stomping back towards me, then slamming me with both hands in the chest so that I flew backwards onto my tailbone in the hard-packed snow. He stood over me and my cowering Molly, swinging his chain leash, threatening to "lay that dog wide open, bitch!". I just lay there in the snow, stunned at the attack, and he turned to quickly leave the park. Once he and his wife (?) were far enough away that I felt safe, I called the police. They saw me on my cell phone and quickly ran away. I tried to see their car license but missed it all. Very scary event! To any of us who walk alone with our dogs, we need to be very, very careful how we confront owners of poorly behaved dogs. There's a reason the dogs are poorly behaved, and it's right there, walking with them on two legs!
Re: It only takes an irresponsible owner with uncontrolled dogs to spoil things. Well said! Nasty experience.
Re: It only takes an irresponsible owner with uncontrolled dogs to spoil things. Nancy, how appalling!!!!!! What a shocking experience.
Re: It only takes an irresponsible owner with uncontrolled dogs to spoil things. That sounds incredibly scary! You're so right about the owners being the problem. Some people shouldn't be allowed dogs!
Re: It only takes an irresponsible owner with uncontrolled dogs to spoil things. Terrifying. I agree some people shouldn't have dogs. We've met an Airedale down at our park, owners got no control at all. Luckily he's a friendly dog. The owner just stands some distance away calling and calling him but he doesn't respond. Last time we saw him I started walking towards him hoping his dog would follow. In the end he swore the F word and said he's going to leave him if he doesn't come back. Luckily the dog went back to him but when the owner went to put his lead on the poor dog cowered. I hate that so much. I just feel for that poor dog.
Re: It only takes an irresponsible owner with uncontrolled dogs to spoil things. That's a very scary story Nancy :-\
Re: It only takes an irresponsible owner with uncontrolled dogs to spoil things. I have too often seen owners screaming at their dog, then smacking it when they finally get the dog back. If I were their dog, would I return to someone obviously in a rage?? I know it's sometimes hard to not get angry, but you just can't do it! In my early days of owning dogs, I got really mad a few times at my little Sheltie mix. He would come within about 10 feet of me, but only from the side or rear! He'd dance around me as I turned towards him, and the only way I could get him to come in close was to sit on the ground (no matter what the weather!) and start to make play noises. I did have enough sense to not punish him at that point, but it took a few times of him training me to not get mad! It's almost unfortunate that dogs are generally so forgiving...
Re: It only takes an irresponsible owner with uncontrolled dogs to spoil things. If you see this person coming, would it be possible to use your phone to be ready to video any encounter, that way at least you can show the police or dog warden? Although take care, in case it angers the owner too much and you end up in danger.
