What Can A Dog Warden Do About A Dog Attack?

[anthro-nerd]

My dog was attacked by a staffie, the police aren't interested as I didn't get bit. It was completely unprovoked, my dogs were on the other side of the street, both on lead, not barking, literally sniffing a bush. His dog had no lead or collar and was on the opposite side of the street. It bee-lined towards us and attacked.

The police warden is investigating today... but what power do they actually have?

[dannyk13]

Powers outlined here:-
http://www.ndwa.co.uk/dog-wardens/

[Tilly2]

Are your dogs ok, Anthro?

[anthro-nerd]

Danny, good, they can enforce the law. That's good, that's what I was worried about.

Tilly, my boy has puncture wounds. Because he's a sturdy little terrier he's come off really well, had it had been my puppy, she'd have lost her leg. It was awful. I thought he was going to be killed :-(

[Tilly2]

I'm glad your dog isn't seriously hurt and I hope you get some positive action from the Dog Warden.

[anthro-nerd]

Thanks Tilly, I'm shocked the police aren't more helpful.

[DarceyK123]

OH that's awful, frightening for you as well as them.
Was the dog with anyone? What did the owner say or do?

Give them a big cuddle from me.

[anthro-nerd]

Darcey, the owner was aggressive towards me, I guess dogs learn from their owners.

The whole ordeal was terrifying. I've emailed my local MP telling him this happens far too often. People don't know who to contact if this happens. And they don't know the punishments for such an attack. There needs to be more awareness.

[anneasquith]

Is it nor compulsory for a dog to have a collar and lead on in public places ?

[Baldric]

Yes, and an Identity Disc and Microchip.

[anthro-nerd]

Spath, you're right.

Anne, yep, microchip and collar with a tag saying your name, your number and your address. And a lead if on the street.

Had it been 'play' gone to far, I'd have a little more compassion towards the owner. Had the owner been apologetic and promised to keep his dog on the lead and paid my vets bills, I'd have shown more compassion.

I have no doubt this dog had attacked before, it bee-lined towards us, unprovoked. And that means it will attack again. It is a dangerous dog, with an irresponsible owner.

[anthro-nerd]

Spath, I hate the idea of a dog being put to sleep., but you;re right. The dog is clearly out of control and it isnt safe. It could have just as easily attacked a child.

[horselady]

I am imagining that scenario with my 9 yr old grandaughter holding the lead of their 3 month old Cocker spaniel pup. (shudder)

[Baldric]

As a long-term Dog Owner that is not a Dog that should be off the lead in a Public Place imo.

[murraymints]

this happened to a neighbour last boxing day , oh was driving home from paper shop and a wee chiuhaha (sp) was being mauled on its lead.. he stopped and managed to get it off the wee thing, which then needed emergency surgery and a week in the vets.would have died had oh not got there when he did..this dog had also attacked another patterdale in the preceding 3 months..dog warden made the owner go on dog obedience classes unil the instructor was happy her dog was under control..it was that or the dog be confiscated and euthanised..

[murraymints]

it was a staffie ^^^ and she is now obliged to keep it on a lead when outdoors..that or the chop !!

[vulcan42]

I am not a dog owner but reading about collars, leads, micro chips etc being compulsory, I'm surprised the police aren't more interested, are they no longer interested in upholding the law?

[murraymints]

is a staffie included in the dangerous dogs act ? no idea, if so I'd be back onto the polis PDQ !