Dog attacked today
Discussion
My 20 month old cocker spaniel was attacked today by 2 Rottweilers when my son was walking him. The dogs were off lead, unmuzzled and being walked by a dog walker. The dogs appear fully grown are rescue dogs. They have only been with the new owner for 1 week and this was the dog walkers first time walking them.
I know the owner and have known her for many years and she has years of experience with the breed. She had requested to the dog walker that they are kept on the lead.
To say I am furious is an understatement. The attack lasted a minute or 2 and my son had to pull the dogs off our dog and get himself between them. It shook him up a fair bit.
Our dog should be fine and is home now. They went for his neck and rear leg. The vet wants him back next week to see if there is any ligament damage. Thankfully no broken bones.
The reason for posting is to see if my thought process on what to do about it. It happened about 10 hours ago and having calmed down I have had a think about what to do. I’m still awake at midnight thinking about it.
My concern is that these are obviously dangerous dogs. Do I report it as an incident to the police and let them deal with it? If I don’t report it and other dogs/people get hurt then would I have been remiss in my handling of the situation?
I will sleep on it tonight but would greatly appreciate if my thought process matches what others would think.
Hopefully he won’t be affected long term in being scared of other dogs and will be the same happy go lucky loving spaniel he has always been.
I know the owner and have known her for many years and she has years of experience with the breed. She had requested to the dog walker that they are kept on the lead.
To say I am furious is an understatement. The attack lasted a minute or 2 and my son had to pull the dogs off our dog and get himself between them. It shook him up a fair bit.
Our dog should be fine and is home now. They went for his neck and rear leg. The vet wants him back next week to see if there is any ligament damage. Thankfully no broken bones.
The reason for posting is to see if my thought process on what to do about it. It happened about 10 hours ago and having calmed down I have had a think about what to do. I’m still awake at midnight thinking about it.
My concern is that these are obviously dangerous dogs. Do I report it as an incident to the police and let them deal with it? If I don’t report it and other dogs/people get hurt then would I have been remiss in my handling of the situation?
I will sleep on it tonight but would greatly appreciate if my thought process matches what others would think.
Hopefully he won’t be affected long term in being scared of other dogs and will be the same happy go lucky loving spaniel he has always been.
rex said:
My 20 month old cocker spaniel was attacked today by 2 Rottweilers when my son was walking him. The dogs were off lead, unmuzzled and being walked by a dog walker. The dogs appear fully grown are rescue dogs. They have only been with the new owner for 1 week and this was the dog walkers first time walking them.
I know the owner and have known her for many years and she has years of experience with the breed. She had requested to the dog walker that they are kept on the lead.
To say I am furious is an understatement. The attack lasted a minute or 2 and my son had to pull the dogs off our dog and get himself between them. It shook him up a fair bit.
Our dog should be fine and is home now. They went for his neck and rear leg. The vet wants him back next week to see if there is any ligament damage. Thankfully no broken bones.
The reason for posting is to see if my thought process on what to do about it. It happened about 10 hours ago and having calmed down I have had a think about what to do. I’m still awake at midnight thinking about it.
My concern is that these are obviously dangerous dogs. Do I report it as an incident to the police and let them deal with it? If I don’t report it and other dogs/people get hurt then would I have been remiss in my handling of the situation?
I will sleep on it tonight but would greatly appreciate if my thought process matches what others would think.
Hopefully he won’t be affected long term in being scared of other dogs and will be the same happy go lucky loving spaniel he has always been.
Are the dogs insured, is the dog walker insured? I’d be passing all vets bills to them for starters and asking why off lead and unmuzzled.I know the owner and have known her for many years and she has years of experience with the breed. She had requested to the dog walker that they are kept on the lead.
To say I am furious is an understatement. The attack lasted a minute or 2 and my son had to pull the dogs off our dog and get himself between them. It shook him up a fair bit.
Our dog should be fine and is home now. They went for his neck and rear leg. The vet wants him back next week to see if there is any ligament damage. Thankfully no broken bones.
The reason for posting is to see if my thought process on what to do about it. It happened about 10 hours ago and having calmed down I have had a think about what to do. I’m still awake at midnight thinking about it.
My concern is that these are obviously dangerous dogs. Do I report it as an incident to the police and let them deal with it? If I don’t report it and other dogs/people get hurt then would I have been remiss in my handling of the situation?
I will sleep on it tonight but would greatly appreciate if my thought process matches what others would think.
Hopefully he won’t be affected long term in being scared of other dogs and will be the same happy go lucky loving spaniel he has always been.
You can try reporting to the police, sadly I’m not sure they are interested in dog on dog attacks, unless your son was bit.
Report to police, ask for insurance details, forward all costs plus fee for the mental cost, post pics on local fb sites. What an ignorant fool of a dog walker! I have one rottie who doesn't get off a lead near anyone, just because he's too friendly, but trying to control two of them when not your own?? A-hole, simple, and should be banned from that line of business, all for the fact of not keeping the dogs under her care, on a lead!
It's worth reporting if only for a record when a future attack occurs. The police try and class these attacks as 'dog on dog' and take no further action but I'm sure the legislation around keeping dogs under control in a public space was changed some years ago for this very reason. Maybe worth reading up and asking the police what their view is when faced with the legal position.
Ours got attacked by two smaller dogs off lead. He was just minding his own business getting in his sniffs and was on lead when they ran across and got stuck in.
Only way to deal with it was get in between them and fend them off with feet and legs. I say fend off as opposed to giving some boot. Wouldn't like to have done it against bigger dogs like the OP.
Response from their 'handler' when asked to control them quickly escalated to threats to come over and break my jaw. Pik.., sorry travelers, then they wonder why they're hated.
Know who it is, not reported, don't want house / car windows stoved in. Sad isn't it.
Only way to deal with it was get in between them and fend them off with feet and legs. I say fend off as opposed to giving some boot. Wouldn't like to have done it against bigger dogs like the OP.
Response from their 'handler' when asked to control them quickly escalated to threats to come over and break my jaw. Pik.., sorry travelers, then they wonder why they're hated.
Know who it is, not reported, don't want house / car windows stoved in. Sad isn't it.
As was said originally I'm afraid there's nothing the police will do as it's dog on dog. It's correct that the Police would take action if a dog was "dangerously out of control" but that wouldn't necessarily include a dog biting another dog as this could happen in a number of ways, many of which wouldn't mean the dog was out of control. I've been in a similar situation and it's terrifying so I feel for your son. Sounds like he did really well given the circumstances.
You've done the right thing in terms of the dog walker and insurance though. It's them, not the dogs that were at fault.
You've done the right thing in terms of the dog walker and insurance though. It's them, not the dogs that were at fault.
GP Dog handler here.
Sadly seeing more and more of this sort of thing happening.
Dog walker has screwed up big time - having a dog out of control in a public place. As other have mentioned, due to it being a dog on dog attack the police will show very little interest, if any. Still worth reporting so that they are aware of it should any other incident/s involving these dogs occur. Punishment should then be harsher should another incident occur. Also worth reporting to support any claim on insurance you will have.
Unfortunately, the dogs are only considered dangerously out of control when they have injured a person or assistance dog. (iirc that would be section 10 of the dangerous dogs act of 1991) though a court could decide otherwise if the police show interest and take it that far.
Definitely get a claim in on the dog walkers liability insurance.
No "professional" or experienced dog walker would ever consider walking ANY dog that is new to them off lead. The fact that this one had done so on their first walk despite being told not to by the owner says a lot about the walker. Id say its worth leaving a review somewhere online and a few posts on local groups to make locals aware, but would wait until you have a decision from police/insurance.
Sorry this happened to your pup and your son. I hope they are ok!
Sadly seeing more and more of this sort of thing happening.
Dog walker has screwed up big time - having a dog out of control in a public place. As other have mentioned, due to it being a dog on dog attack the police will show very little interest, if any. Still worth reporting so that they are aware of it should any other incident/s involving these dogs occur. Punishment should then be harsher should another incident occur. Also worth reporting to support any claim on insurance you will have.
Unfortunately, the dogs are only considered dangerously out of control when they have injured a person or assistance dog. (iirc that would be section 10 of the dangerous dogs act of 1991) though a court could decide otherwise if the police show interest and take it that far.
Definitely get a claim in on the dog walkers liability insurance.
No "professional" or experienced dog walker would ever consider walking ANY dog that is new to them off lead. The fact that this one had done so on their first walk despite being told not to by the owner says a lot about the walker. Id say its worth leaving a review somewhere online and a few posts on local groups to make locals aware, but would wait until you have a decision from police/insurance.
Sorry this happened to your pup and your son. I hope they are ok!
Really sorry to hear this; how stupid of the dog walker.
As well as reporting to the police, I would suggest reporting to your local dog warden (if you have one). As others have said, the police may not be able/willing to act, but the dog warden can at the least 'have a word' with the owner.
Should have said - hope your son and pup are okay.
As well as reporting to the police, I would suggest reporting to your local dog warden (if you have one). As others have said, the police may not be able/willing to act, but the dog warden can at the least 'have a word' with the owner.
Should have said - hope your son and pup are okay.
Edited by moorx on Wednesday 19th April 19:25
Sadly a few dog walkers are not up to the job around here, my daughter was out the other day with her her two when a pair came charging towards her, frightened her dogs, three adults with three dogs all off the lead. took several minutes to catch up the dogs, one mumbled apology from one of them, the second one tried to blame my daughter for having hers on the lead.
Another comes and just lets the dogs run free, does not bother picking up poo, mainly because she doesn't see it happen because she has her nose in her phone all the time.
A third one comes each day to pick up the next doors dogs, along with others he has in his vehicle, sometimes walks them on the footpath in the field behind our house, all off lead, short while ago some sheep had escaped from a field above, on seeing the dogs the sheep set off back through the hole in the fence with two dogs following close behind, fortunately gave up the chase before catching up to the sheep. A few days later we're coming home and the neighbours dogs shoot out into the road, he'd opened the gates with them off the lead luckily no other vehicles about, but it's a rat run at certain times of the day.
Another comes and just lets the dogs run free, does not bother picking up poo, mainly because she doesn't see it happen because she has her nose in her phone all the time.
A third one comes each day to pick up the next doors dogs, along with others he has in his vehicle, sometimes walks them on the footpath in the field behind our house, all off lead, short while ago some sheep had escaped from a field above, on seeing the dogs the sheep set off back through the hole in the fence with two dogs following close behind, fortunately gave up the chase before catching up to the sheep. A few days later we're coming home and the neighbours dogs shoot out into the road, he'd opened the gates with them off the lead luckily no other vehicles about, but it's a rat run at certain times of the day.
Dog walker was negilgent but who takes on two rescue Rottweilers at the same time and then farms them out to a dog walker? It makes no sense.
Sorry for what happened to your dog. Spaniels can be sensitive souls or bombproof/nuts. At 20 months the dog might shrug it off but I'd be paying attention to 'psychological rehab'/socialisation and trying to ensure dog doesn't become nervous/reactive.
Sorry for what happened to your dog. Spaniels can be sensitive souls or bombproof/nuts. At 20 months the dog might shrug it off but I'd be paying attention to 'psychological rehab'/socialisation and trying to ensure dog doesn't become nervous/reactive.
Firstly I really hope your dog has no lasting issues, it’s horrible seeing any animals fight.
Also, please don’t instantly think the dogs are dangerous. If they really wanted to attack and hurt your dog, it would be dead.
I own 2 male Rottweilers and am working hard to be able to have them off the lead again. They were fine for a long time but then when coming of age were attacked multiple times by other dogs. Always seen as not an issue as my dogs were so big but it has made a reactive and the other just goes defensive. It’s slowly getting better but definitely a process. When they see any aggression from another dog it sets the other dog off.
I would speak to the owner, if she definitely did say keep on a lead then the dog Walker needs to never walk them again.
If then the owner can work with the dogs or maybe appreciate she can’t walk 2 at once (you simply won’t hold onto 2 Rottweilers if they get traction) then so be it.
Also, you be seen quite a few dog owners say their dog was not aggressive (not saying yours was) when it has clearly nipped or bitten another dog.
Dave!
Also, please don’t instantly think the dogs are dangerous. If they really wanted to attack and hurt your dog, it would be dead.
I own 2 male Rottweilers and am working hard to be able to have them off the lead again. They were fine for a long time but then when coming of age were attacked multiple times by other dogs. Always seen as not an issue as my dogs were so big but it has made a reactive and the other just goes defensive. It’s slowly getting better but definitely a process. When they see any aggression from another dog it sets the other dog off.
I would speak to the owner, if she definitely did say keep on a lead then the dog Walker needs to never walk them again.
If then the owner can work with the dogs or maybe appreciate she can’t walk 2 at once (you simply won’t hold onto 2 Rottweilers if they get traction) then so be it.
Also, you be seen quite a few dog owners say their dog was not aggressive (not saying yours was) when it has clearly nipped or bitten another dog.
Dave!
I'd report it.
This sounds like another useless "professional" dog walker. There's a dog walker near me who seems to frequently lose people's dogs in the local woods, and you always see her in a flap running about the woods looking for another dog she's lost. I've never used a dog walker, and if I did there's only one locally that I know that I'd trust with my two.
Over the last few years it seems a lot of people have decided to cash in on the doggy dollar by setting up dog related businesses without much of a clue about actually handling dogs, especially big ones.
This sounds like another useless "professional" dog walker. There's a dog walker near me who seems to frequently lose people's dogs in the local woods, and you always see her in a flap running about the woods looking for another dog she's lost. I've never used a dog walker, and if I did there's only one locally that I know that I'd trust with my two.
Over the last few years it seems a lot of people have decided to cash in on the doggy dollar by setting up dog related businesses without much of a clue about actually handling dogs, especially big ones.
Only just seen this thread. If the police wont do anything which seems they are unlikely to as its dog on dog, you still have recourse through your council.
A dog that causes fear and apprehension to either another dog or a person - report to the council.
Dog v dog attack - report to the council.
Dog v person - report to the police.
I'm surprised this has not been mentioned by all you doggie people. My neighbour's labrador attacked the postman on my driveway, a 12 year old girl walking down the road and myself several times plus another neighbour's cat several times. As there were no injuries it was not a police matter, apparently. However, after a chat with the dog warden the council sent out an officer who took a statement then visited the neighbour. They were ordered to keep it under control; to only let it out on a lead and not to leave it on their front garden (open plan area). It had the desired effect.
This link is my council area but the law applies in England and Wales. https://www.kirklees.gov.uk/beta/animals/dangerous...
A dog that causes fear and apprehension to either another dog or a person - report to the council.
Dog v dog attack - report to the council.
Dog v person - report to the police.
I'm surprised this has not been mentioned by all you doggie people. My neighbour's labrador attacked the postman on my driveway, a 12 year old girl walking down the road and myself several times plus another neighbour's cat several times. As there were no injuries it was not a police matter, apparently. However, after a chat with the dog warden the council sent out an officer who took a statement then visited the neighbour. They were ordered to keep it under control; to only let it out on a lead and not to leave it on their front garden (open plan area). It had the desired effect.
This link is my council area but the law applies in England and Wales. https://www.kirklees.gov.uk/beta/animals/dangerous...
Viper201 said:
Only just seen this thread. If the police wont do anything which seems they are unlikely to as its dog on dog, you still have recourse through your council.
A dog that causes fear and apprehension to either another dog or a person - report to the council.
Dog v dog attack - report to the council.
Dog v person - report to the police.
I'm surprised this has not been mentioned by all you doggie people. My neighbour's labrador attacked the postman on my driveway, a 12 year old girl walking down the road and myself several times plus another neighbour's cat several times. As there were no injuries it was not a police matter, apparently. However, after a chat with the dog warden the council sent out an officer who took a statement then visited the neighbour. They were ordered to keep it under control; to only let it out on a lead and not to leave it on their front garden (open plan area). It had the desired effect.
This link is my council area but the law applies in England and Wales. https://www.kirklees.gov.uk/beta/animals/dangerous...
Ummmm.....A dog that causes fear and apprehension to either another dog or a person - report to the council.
Dog v dog attack - report to the council.
Dog v person - report to the police.
I'm surprised this has not been mentioned by all you doggie people. My neighbour's labrador attacked the postman on my driveway, a 12 year old girl walking down the road and myself several times plus another neighbour's cat several times. As there were no injuries it was not a police matter, apparently. However, after a chat with the dog warden the council sent out an officer who took a statement then visited the neighbour. They were ordered to keep it under control; to only let it out on a lead and not to leave it on their front garden (open plan area). It had the desired effect.
This link is my council area but the law applies in England and Wales. https://www.kirklees.gov.uk/beta/animals/dangerous...
moorx said:
Really sorry to hear this; how stupid of the dog walker.
As well as reporting to the police, I would suggest reporting to your local dog warden (if you have one). As others have said, the police may not be able/willing to act, but the dog warden can at the least 'have a word' with the owner.
Should have said - hope your son and pup are okay.
As well as reporting to the police, I would suggest reporting to your local dog warden (if you have one). As others have said, the police may not be able/willing to act, but the dog warden can at the least 'have a word' with the owner.
Should have said - hope your son and pup are okay.
Edited by moorx on Wednesday 19th April 19:25
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