Owners to blame for increase in dog attacks

[bigdoglover]

Norwich Evening News

By Emma Knights

It is not the dogs but their owners who are to blame for the surge in animals attacking youngsters, according to dog owners and animal charities in Norfolk.

The two Rottweilers who mauled to death a five-month-old baby at a pub in Leicester on Sunday are the latest in a string of dogs savaging children across the country.

Just weeks ago a seven-week-old baby, from Stevenson Road, North Earlham in the city lost three of her fingers after she was savaged by her family's cross breed terrier puppy.

Keith Hall, of Hallswood Animal Sanctuary, is calling for all dogs to be muzzled and for owners to have licences.

He said: “Dogs are lovely creatures but in the wrong hands they can be dangerous. A car is dangerous and a gun is dangerous and for both you have to have a licence. So why do you not have to have a licence for a dog?

“We need serious law changes and for people to understand they have a responsibility to the dog, themselves and the general public. Every dog should be muzzled unless it is completely controlled and by law you should have to have insurance for your dog.”

He added that it is important people had basic training on how to look after their pets.

“Dogs must know who the master is. It is lovely having a pet but you must make sure you are in command.”

He said one reason for the high amount of animal attacks was because more people were keeping “macho dogs” like Rottweilers.

But he added: “Really the dog is not the problem. It is the people who have the animal.

“We have some of the most dangerous dogs come to this sanctuary and when they leave here they are different animals because they know who is in charge.”

He said that is was important children were educated about looking after pets to help stop this problem.

Gaynor Myhill, 37 and from Colgate, has a Rottweiler called Puppy and a Chihuahua called Freddie, as well two children John-Charles, 10, and Matilda, 17 months.

She said: “I do not think it is anything to do with the dogs at all, it is all about how they are brought up. Puppy's dad was a security dog and Puppy should have been too but he has been brought up to know his place and is a lovely pet. People should vet who they sell their dogs to and any dog that snarls and is aggressive should be put down. Once they overstep the mark you have problems.”

Rachel Dwyer, 36, of Pride Way, Dussindale, has a son Tommy Brewer, five, and a Patterdale Terrier called Spot.

She said: “If you have children, you have to make them aware that they have to be careful around dogs. Tommy always asks if a dog is friendly before he goes up to it and I have no trouble with him and Spot.

“I think big dogs and temperamental dogs should have to wear a muzzle.”

A spokeswoman for the east region of the RSPCA said: “Owners have got to be aware of the problems of leaving dogs alone with young children. People need to be aware that these attacks are not deliberate, calculated attacks by the dogs. Owners of any dog should make sure their dogs are trained properly and controlled.”

Two-year-old Shontai-Lily Ford, from Bacon Road, Norwich, was bitten by a German Shepherd in July. She had to have an emergency operation and has been left with permanent scarring to her face.

Sprowston First School pupil Natasha Dunne, seven, was attacked by a border collie/spaniel cross at the Mustard Pot, Thorpe Road. She was left scarred for life and needs plastic surgery on her face after the incident in April.

[pitbulliest]

"Keith Hall, of Hallswood Animal Sanctuary, is calling for all dogs to be muzzled and for owners to have licences."

What an airhead..he should know better...the licensing I agree with but for all dogs to be wearing muzzles is absurd...punish the bad owners, not dogs!