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Take a lead on dog laws
1:06pm Friday 27th June 2008
Comments (3)Dangerous dogs are clearly out of control.
We have had dogs attacking dogs, destroying trees, mauling children, and now the tragic story of 66-year-old Michael Harrington, for whom the shock of seeing his docile pet attacked was just too much (Man dies after pet is mauled by bull terrier', Times Series, June 19).
Something clearly needs to be done, but unbelievably Barnet Council is still refusing to impose dog control zones in parks.
A control zone gives council officers many more powers to stop dangerous dog owners. Andrew Dismore has repeatedly called on Barnet to impose such a zone, but typically the council would rather ignore a problem than admit that using powers the Government has given it is a good idea.
Last time I wrote to the Times Series on this issue, I asked whether it would take somebody dying for the council to take action - it would seem even that is not enough for the callous crew we have leading the council.
Elizabeth Fitzgerald
West Hendon
Your Say YourTimes Series
Daniel, Barnet says...
7:48pm Fri 27 Jun 08
How many people do you see in the park being taken for a walk by their dog? Dog out in front, lead taut pulling the owner along, that is a tell tale sign of who is in control.
The number of times I have observed owners of small aggressive dogs shreaking and howling when their dog gets embroiled in another row with another dog is horrifying.
Dogs are animals, not humans and people should remember that.
Learning how to deal with such situations correctly is not an optional extra when you take your dog out in public. It is dangerous, ignorant and careless owners of dogs of any breed that are the real hazard.
Zones, fines and the clunking fist of bureacracy won't make any difference. Maybe it is time for proper dog owner licencing with compulsory education and testing to be brought in, so that those who take their dogs in public are competent.
RG PetComm, San Diego says...
10:37am Sat 28 Jun 08
* Dont make direct hard eye contact. Body language counts
* Turn sideways, giving a calming signal. DO NOT RUN.
* Keep your arms and hands down and tight by your side
The following defensive tools may work on some dogs:
* Air horn
* Where legal, pepper spray
* Direct Stop is a Citronella spray (available at PetSmart and PetCo
* Defendabrella - a small tote umbrella to suddenly pop open to scare the dog
* Having a sacraficial garment (old shirt, sweater) around your waist to offer up to the dog instead of you.
* Always carry your cell phone and call for help if you can.
<A href="http://www.rgp
etcomm.com">Good Dog !!</A>
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Simon, London says...
2:45pm Fri 27 Jun 08