Have i done the right think wrt dog attack

[thekingfisher]

My BT and I were out for a walk in our village woods as we do most days - BT was off the lead as we were off the road, and up ahead was someone with 2 dogs (small breeds) also off the lead.

My BT very friendly ran up to say hello and basically one of the dogs went mental - was def. some kind of terrier. Starting biting her, she raced back to me with other dog clamped to her tail - and keeps trying and achieving loads of bites to her shanks ( based on her cries) I managed to get hold of my dog and owner of other finally comes up and I am screaming at her to get hold of her dog as by now my dog is a sitting target as I have hold of her.

The woman is hesitating as she is clearly terrified of the dog, finally I have to pick mine up at which point her dog jumps up over and over to try and bite mine in doing so gives me a really nasty bite ( full puncture wound in 2 places)

She finally manages to get hold of it after beating it with the lead about 5 times.

It then transpires as I am crying and screaming at her ( no excuses but I was utterly terrified and covered in blood! from my dog) that the dog is a rescue from a really crap rescue down the road and she has had it 1 WEEK and thought it was fine with other dogs......

I took her name and number and the name of the rescue....went to vet and the doctor and we are both on anti-b's I also had to have a tetanus injection.

Because I was so concerned about this woman's behavior ( 1- dog off lead 1 weeks after getting it, 2 - clearly being scared stiff of it and 3 - beating it with the lead) I phone both the rescue and the dog warden.

Rescue are being really laissez-faire and have said they are 'really surprised' and something must have happened to provoke it and it isn't a dangerous dog as it didn't go for me I was just in the way!!!! They were also very cagey as to whether they would give the owner any support with the dog. I also asked her to pay my costs ( £54 at vets, £7.60 prescription fee for me and £25 for the dog sitter as I was at a meeting yesterday and she couldn't come with me as she would usually have done as she was being a bit sick from the metacam) She said she didn't think so but put it in writing!!!

Dog Warden made an immediate referral to the police as it bit me and she was not in control of the animal as it was in a public place and they are coming tomorrow to take a statement.

Anyhow not sure if I have overreacted - but it was the scariest thing I have EVER encountered and her incompetence astounded me...

WWYD or wwy have done in my shoes?

[MousyMouse]

you have not over reacted.
at best the dogs just needs training and the owner sensible advice (and stick to it). at worst the dog is not safe and might need to be put down.

hope both of you are better, soon.

[ChickensHaveNoLips]

When my pup was attacked I did the same as you and reported it ( I got bitten in the fracas). The police went and spoke to the owner and I was happy to leave it there. It later came to light that the same dog had attacked two other dogs since, and the owner had it pts when it turned on him. Some owners just do not learn the lesson, and sadly it's the dog/other dogs that suffer. You absolutely did the right thing.

[thirdhill]

Go to the papers, local ones may do. Especially if police are too resource strapped these days to follow it up.

"Rescue" centre needs sharpen up its act, and the cost and publicity will underline the message. Same for owner of dog. Dog may be re-trainable but is not getting that at the moment, and a danger to itself and others.

[thekingfisher]

Thanks it seems as if I feel I am over reacting but I hate to think what would have happened if my son had been there, and the fact now the rescue have been so crap. Will def pursue my costs now I would have thought the rescue would have insurance ?

[surroundedbyblondes]

How horrible for you and your dog. Our lovely little dog has been attacked in the past and it is just terrible. People must be responsible for their dogs. She is now v nervous of other dogs, and tbh wouldn't have responded well to another dog off the lead coming up to her. We never take her off the lead unless in our own garden because she is so nervous. It means it will be many years before our DDs will be able to walk her by themselves because we always have to look out for the 'what if... ' situations with her.

Hope you both heal well x

[ThatVikRinA22]

you have not overreacted.im in the police and we get complaints and prosecutions for less than what you have described - it is an offence to have a dog out of control in a public place - and that dog was absolutely out of control!
the dog may not be put to sleep so dont worry on that score but you have most definitely done the right thing and in making the statement. You should feel absolutely no guilt what so ever and the rescue need to step up. What if it had been a child?

make the statement - it wont take long and you will be doing the right thing. then its up to the police to deal with the rest.

[SauvignonBlanche]

Sounds like you've done the right thing.

[EdlessAllenPoe]

rescues sometimes don't get a true picture of what the dog is like, because the situation they keep dogs in (kennels surrounded by other dogs) is so unlike home life.

sometimes a dog-aggressive dog never shows that behaviour - it is just too subdued to.

so yes, a terrible experience for you. she should now know not to have this dog off lead anywhere near other dogs, at the very least.

[thekingfisher]

thanks all am reassured by your comments - just hope there is no long term damage. She ias such a happy friendly dog and other than chasing squirrels wouldnt hurt a fly and to see her actively running away scared and hurt was so sad. I just hope it doesnt stop her friendly attitude with other dogs - she's been socialised so well and a good play mate just hope she isnt too anxious. Wea re going out for our walk now in the same place thought it would be a good idea to take her back there. Hpe the woman has the good sense not to go back there.

sorry crap spelling!

[batteryhen]

God that sounds awful :( You have done the right thing, I expect the other lady was shaken up too especially if she had been told her dog was fine with others :(

A couple of months ago I was walking my then 5 month old cocker spaniel when I saw a lady with 3 dogs coming towrds me. Her bull dog started to run towards mine and she started screaming at me to pick my pup up as hers was aggressive!! He was deaf so wouldn't respond to her calls. I managed to pick him up, but wouldn't be able to now as he is so much bigger and I am 6 mths pregnant :(

[bagelmonkey]

I don't think you're over reacting. Imagine it wasn't you walking your dog, but a child who met the rescue dog. Next time it could be.