Unleashed dogs?

Question

While walking to my car tonight a dog Labrador sized came running out of no where barking and jumping at me.I had to go into someones front garden and shut the gate to get away from it.
Not to sure whether it nipped me in the ar*e or got me with a claw.
Should dog owners be fined if they let there animals run around unsuperzised

Answer 1

Yes i think they should be fined.!!!

Answer 2

Yes! I don't understand why they ever did away with the dog licencing; anyone who can afford to buy a dog, (or even get a rescue one for nothing) and pay for it's food and veterinary fees when needed, can afford to pay for a licence to have that dog: as soon as a dog is acquired - before one is even allowed to take it home - it should have a 'chip' inserted and a licence purchased with all of the owner's details on it: there should be an efficient dog catcher system in place and any dog, wherever it may be, that is found not on a lead, should be confiscated and re-homed, re-chipped and re-licenced to a responsible owner; the first owner should be fined and banned from owning another dog.
I am a dog owner and even as a disabled pensioner I'd have no objection to paying for a licence. There are far too many dogs that are not controlled properly by their owners: a properly controlled dog that knows it's place in the home and in the 'pecking order' is a happy animal; control of an animal doesn't mean beating it, or even verbally bullying it, all it takes is patience and firmness.
My dog is fifteen now; when I first got him as a rescue dog he had been beaten (seven months old!) he'd been given no training, not even in being house clean and because he had been kept short of food he would try to bite if anyone tried to take anything away from him (most young dogs will attempt to eat some disgusting things): he is, as are most, a very intelligent animal and was fully trained by me in all behaviour within a month and has been my much loved companion ever since: he is now deaf and partly blind and suffers a kind of canine senile dementia, this means that he is incontinent and also often becomes bewildered, but, whilst he still enjoys life he will not be put down; that being another thing that a licence would prevent - the killing of animals, simply because the owners can't be bothered to look after them once they become less than perfectly fit.

Answer 3

I live in Spain. The law here is that all dogs must be micro-chipped and have a passport showing listing all injections for rabies etc: once a year. I have 3 dogs (all rescued strays) and 2 of which have been professionally trained to socialise with humans & dogs. I have lived in Greece,India, Malaya Uk & Spain & have NEVER been bitten. Whatever the pro's say, a dog will sense fear & if you run,it will chase you. It would be hard for you to ignore the dog, but that is probably the best thing to do. I had an encounter with a Doberman recently and it worked. Dogs are not all bad but you may be unlucky to get a 'rogue'. My largest dog is a Giant Schnauzer of 46 kgs:totally reliable with kids & anybody.
The little one is a 'sausage' & the middle one a heinz 47 collie, which can be unpredictable. If I see strange people around, I put him on a lead. If a dog bites out here and the owner traced; one can finish up in front of a Judge & to produce the passport etc.
As for Labradors, I wouldn't trust them as far as I can kick them.
My neighbour has one.
Most Brits out here are very responsible owners & at 'walkies' time one can see 8 dogs playing, whilst their owners are having a 'natter'.
Yes, I agree with you that owners should be brought to account, but your reaction may result in the owner losing a loyal member of ther family.
Regards, Eddie in Spain...

Answer 4

Yes, I think they should if it happens all the time. I know all pets get away from time to time without the owner knowing it. It really sucks when that happens. I would call your local shelter so they can find the dog. Not only because the dog should not be running loose (especially if it came at you!), but it could get hit by a car. The owner will have to pay to pick him up, (so there is your fine), but they might thank you in the long run. They could be worried about him.

If he broke the skin you really need the shelter to find him and make sure he is up on his rabies shots!!! If it was a nip and the skin broke you could be needing to get a shot your self!!

GOOD LUCK!!

Answer 5

This proves the point that even the most (supposedly) friendly and docile of dog breeds can be a danger to the public if not properly trained and supervised. I am a dog owner and would be horrified to know know that my girl had behaved in such a fashion.

I would love to see some form of licencing for ALL dogs returned to this country (UK), with responsibility placed firmly on the owners shoulders for properly socialising and training of their pets. In the UK a licence is required before you are "let loose" with things that can kill (cars, lorries, gas fitters, pilots etc). But it seems any fool can own a dog without the slightest understanding of what they are doing, when the dog makes a mistake it's executed, the owner "walks away".

Screw the Dangerous Dogs act, it's a farce, licence people to own a dog.

Answer 6

In most places there is a fine. Obviously the dog broke your skin but you are not sure how. You need to visit your doctor or an emergency room. If he nipped you there is always a possibilty of rabies-unlikely but possible. Rabies is almost always fatal-one girl survived in Wisconsin after being bitten by a bat. She had been very near death because she didn't tell anyone until she developed symptoms.

Remember dogs can get loose even from the most responsible owners.

Answer 7

Yes. I am on a leash until we get to a safe place away from traffic. I will chase anything, especially big trucks and vans with rattling trailers. I like to chase trains and golf buggies. Dad gets a bit annoyed if I run off too far but I always come back or wait by the footbridge in Golf Street. Dogs get one bite, report it to The Constable and if you can give the owners name all the better. I have been bitten by a boxer and it ain't funny! I don't fight back because I have a nice personality. Fighting is for losers.

Answer 8

Sometimes dogs get out, despite the owners care. I know the dog down the road digs a hole under the fence.
However, it seems to be a fashion at the moment for people to walk along through the high street etc with a big dog walking "to heel". I would prefer them to be on the leash.

Answer 9

There should be dog wardens rounding up any loose dogs, taking them to a compound and destroying them if no one claims them after a certain length of time. That's not my idea, it's what is supposed to happen. It's no good saying fine the owners, because many of the animals have no collar anyway. Clowns who let their dogs out alone are the kind who wouldn't pay a fine anyway. I'm not referring to responsible dog owners who's pets escape by accident, they would go reclaim their pets. What would be the point of 'warning' these owners if you could find them? The events of last week prove that warnings mean nothing to the vermin in our society.

Answer 10

If you can find the owner. You'd need to call animal control and if the city is prompt, you might have a chance. However, the likelyhood of the animal control coming out at night is slim to none unfortunately. There just aren't enough resources.

Generally speaking the owners are fined for loose animals after the 3rd incident where I live.

Of course if the animal bit you, that would be another story.

Answer 11

I have a dogue de bordeaux(turner & hooch) and trust her 100% off the lead. If i was in danger she would bite, however she would not be off the lead unless i was there too. A dog should never be unleashed without the owner being along side, thats just neglegt toward the dog. Those who let dogs roam unsupervised shouldnt be allowed to keep dogs never mind fined.