Dog attacks

[Smurf1976]

Can I also assume Smurf, that when you did get injured doing something you knew was stupid, your parents/guardians told you it was your own fault for being stupid? If you were injured through doing something that you didn't know was stupid, then your parents assumed the responsibility and aplogised to you for not properly supervising and guarding you?

Your parents didn't blame the council, or the school teachers or the Government?

Ahhh... them were the days.

Exactly. And if I had broken the law then they would have sided WITH the police and I would have been in big trouble.

On the topic of fences that has been raised by others, I will say this. New electricity sub-stations are now designed to be as safe as possible for intruders in recognition of the reality that break-ins occur despite high fences, barbed wire and dozens of "Near approach will cause INSTANT DEATH" warning signs. And most of those responsible are under high school age. You just can't keep someone out if they want to get in to retrieve their tennis ball etc.

If you trespass onto a certain large industrial site in Tasmania (I won't mention which one for obvious reasons) then the white van appears. White van? That's the permanent security they have to pick up those who shouldn't be there. Suffice to say that it is needed despite the whole site being surrounded by a high fence. Security that is clearly needed given that they have had actual malicious damage in the past. And yet 30 years ago anyone could drive straight through the site without question because there simply wasn't a concern about security. Back then it was simply accepted that you wouldn't wander around the site and start messing with things. And if you got hurt then it was YOUR fault for deciding to wander around a heavy industrial site. Now there's a need to actively patrol the plant and even courier drivers undergo a full site induction before being allowed to drop off a parcel. How times have changed!

 

[Julia]

I was walking my dog this morning.It is a maltese-****zu cross.I walked past a fenced yard,1.5 metres high and a fully grown Alsatian got over the fence and attacked my leashed dog.I intervened and somehow my dog survived,but it was a frightening time for my dog and for me.The alsation had a full teeth grip across my dog's back.
If you are going to keep dangerous dogs in built up areas you had better be sure that they are secure and incapable of damaging children,whether they come into your yard or not.Swimming pools are fenced because children do roam.Anybody been baby sitting and lost sight of a child for a short and time and been frantically trying to locate them?
Little children are rarely capable inflicting harm on a dog !

Robert

To say that little children are rarely capable of inflicting harm on a dog is frankly naive. I have seen little kids do horrendous things to dogs.
Why should they be permitted to do this? They should be taught to respect animals as much as human beings. Btw there are a number of reputable studies which have shown that children who have been cruel to animals frequently grow up to be abusive and physically violent as adults.

I'm sorry to hear of the unpleasant experience you had when walking your dog. I have had the same thing happen with various breeds. The only time I was bitten was by a cocker spaniel.

Incidentally, "Alsatian" is a term no longer used. The correct name for the breed (if a pure bred dog) is German Shepherd.

Julia

 

[Julia]

We have a cattle dog near us that near as buggerry gets over the fence when we are walking our mutts. We have Jack Rascals, and they're game, but not that good against a cattle dog.

The owners will do nothing. Do you think we should report it? It is very scary!

Wayne,

Yes, definitely you should report it. You should not have to tolerate being subjected to this. The owners have a responsibility to ensure the dog is not a public nuisance.

Most towns and cities have good Animal Rangers. A few years ago I had a similar problem with a cattle dog near where I live. The owners used to open the gate after dark and the dog would have the run of the street. Cattle dogs are working dogs, they are very territorial, and if you go near "their property" (you only need to be walking past) they perceive you as an intruder. They should be well exercised and then contained safely.

Your local Ranger should be able to advise the owners that he/she has received complaints and that if it happens again a considerable fine can be expected.

Julia

 

[cuttlefish]

I remember one evening when I was a kid, pretty sure I was only about 4 years old, I thought my parents didn't appreciate me (I think this might have been part of a thing older brothers go through a little while after their baby brothers were born).

Being upset, I told my parents I was going to leave home. I'd read the books (childrens books) and seen what to do. I tied a bundle of stuff in a big hanky (well it was actually a pillow slip, I couldn't find a hanky) and tied it to a stick (well a long piece of dowelling actually). Then while my parents were in the living room I quietly opened the front door and walked off down the street in the dark with my stick (dowel) and hanky (pillowslip) of wordly belongings to seek my fortune (like all the kids in childrens stories did).

Luckily my mother realised that I'd been pretty quiet for a little while and went looking for me and found me a little way up the road past the street light. (I think I got a bit worried because it was pretty dark as you got further up the road).

I didn't get attacked by any dogs though.

(were my parents irresponsible?)

 

[Ageo]

Solution: ban vicious breeds and pig dogs.(I`ve seen them work pigs, many times)

Vicous breeds i can understand but why pig dogs?? Mate let me tell you i have seen German Shephards maul people so it makes no difference. I hunt a fair bit with dogs and these dogs are the most tame animals except for when they see a pig which is of course what its trained to do.

I dont know the full story but its like anything, accidents happen. If they were my dogs, i would most likely put them down.

Horrible story and the owners of the dogs must feel like crap for what has happened.

 

[Happy]

From ABC August 18, 2006

Dog mauls toddler

A one-year-old girl has been attacked by a dog at Elizabeth North.
It is believed a cross-breed mauled the girl on Casterly Road.
Initial reports suggest the girl approached the dog, which was tied up.
She has been taken to the Women's and Children's Hospital with severe facial and head lacerations, but her condition is not believed to be life threatening.
The Playford Council is investigating the attack.

I’d say parents ar fault here.

 

[Julia]

From ABC August 18, 2006


I’d say parents ar fault here.

Hard to say, Happy. But yes, a one year old should be attached to her parent outside of her own home. This is just awful for all concerned - the poor child, the parents, the dog and the owner of the dog. If the dog was tied up, it was doing nothing wrong and hopefully won't be the victim of "put the dog down" cries.

I'm often horrified at the little kids who come bounding up to my dog (German Shepherd) whether she's running free or on a lead, and poke at her face.
Try to explain to the parents that this is a risky thing to do - you just can never know what dogs will react in any particular way - but often they say things like "oh he's used to dogs - dogs just love him" and then of course it will all be the dog's fault if there's a problem.

I sincerely hope any of you who have young children teach them to always approach the owner and ask if it's OK to touch the dog. That way, everyone stays safe.

Julia

 

[Big Jim]

Solution: ban vicious breeds and pig dogs.(I`ve seen them work pigs, many times)

When one goes walking past houses take capsicum spray and a fold up batton with them. I will when I return to Aus. Oh and a whistle to attract attention.

I disagree. Pig dogs in the wild look after the vermin introduced to this country. The dogs should NOT be kept in residential areas. They need to be in a rural setting where they are happy. Anyone keeping them in a home should be shot.

 

[Happy]

From ABC, March 4, 2007

CHILD SERIOUSLY INJURED IN DOG ATTACK

Canberra police are yet to lay charges over a vicious dog attack that has left a four-year old boy in intensive care in hospital.
The child was playing with the animal while his family visited friends in Banks in Canberra's south on Friday night.
At 7pm AEDT, the american staffordshire-cross attacked, gripping the boy's head with its mouth.
Neighbours heard his mother scream and they had to beat the dog to death in order to free the four-year-old.
He suffered terrible facial and neck injuries and remains in a serious but stable condition.

There is no question who will be charged by police, but wouldn’t be surprised if RSPCA charged neighbours with animal cruelty.

 

[Julia]

There is no question who will be charged by police, but wouldn’t be surprised if RSPCA charged neighbours with animal cruelty.

That's just a terrible thing to happen to the child.
However, to suggest the RSPCA would be likely to charge the neighbours with cruelty is being a bit ridiculous. Obviously you would do whatever was necessary to free the poor child.

It's yet another example of how small children should simply never be left unattended with any dog, I don't care how docile the dog appears to be.
Small children don't understand how dogs react, and simply don't comprehend that if they poke a stick in its ear, for example, the dog could react in the only way it knows how, i.e. by attacking the person who has hurt it.

Julia

 

[Out Too Soon]

I live in a rural area where many people think it's OK to have a number of dogs & just let them roam, needless to say they cause a lot of trouble, kill peoples pets, poultry etc & cross with the dingos. Luckily no kids have been attacked so far. The problem isn't so much the dogs it's the owners. Just as people should always be aware of where there child is the same gos for there dog, otherwise they're criminally negligent. I have a German Shepherd, he lives in the house & is never out of our sight, I'm also well aware that Shepherds can jump over just about any height fence & people who own these dogs should be aware.
I have a prejudice against bull terriers, not because they're a bad breed but because irresponsible (criminally negligent) people often own them & wrongly trained they're jaws have the capacity to do terrible things. -The dog owners (a minority) are the prob, not the dogs themselves, it's a shame but blame the druggies, crims & stupid rednecks for the bull terriers problems. I too think a breed ban may be the only answer, sorry all you responsible bull terrier owners.
Dingos are another breed with bad press, I know dingos here in Australia have been semi wild for millenia & so are different but there are dingos in Thailand that have been domesticated for thousands of years & they are a great family & farm dog. My wifes family had one in Thailand when she was young.

 

[Out Too Soon]

Speaking of irresponsible dog owners, here's something I've copied straight from the QLD German Shepherd Clubs website, it's originally from a paper in the US so don't think they'll mind.
HOpe you have the tissues handy!


A man in Grand Rapids, Michigan incredibly took out a US $7,000 full page ad in the paper to present the HOW COULD YOU?

By Jim Willis, 2001


How Could You?



When I was a puppy, I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh. You called me your child, and despite a number of chewed shoes and a couple of murdered throw pillows, I became your best friend. ...

Whenever I was "bad," you'd shake your finger at me and ask "How could you?" -- but then you'd relent and roll me over for a belly rub.

My housebreaking took a little longer than expected, because you were terribly busy, but we worked on that together. I remember those nights of nuzzling you in bed and listening to your confidences and secret dreams, and I believed that life could not be any more perfect.

We went for long walks and runs in the park, car rides, stops for ice cream (I only got the cone because "ice cream is bad for dogs" you said), and I took long naps in the sun waiting for you to come home at the end of the day.

Gradually, you began spending more time at work and on your career, and more time searching for a human mate. I waited for you patiently, comforted you through heartbreaks and disappointments, never chided you about bad decisions, and romped with glee at your homecomings, and when you fell in love.

She, now your wife, is not a "dog person" -- still I welcomed her into our home, tried to show her affection, and obeyed her. I was happy because you were happy.

Then the human babies came along and I shared your excitement. I was fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted to mother them, too. Only she and you worried that I might hurt them, and I spent most of my time banished to another room, or to a dog crate. Oh, how I wanted to love them, but I became a prisoner of love."

As they began to grow, I became their friend. They clung to my fur and pulled themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes, investigated my ears, and gave me kisses on my nose. I loved everything about them and their touch -- because your touch was now so infrequent -- and I would've defended them with my life if need be. I would sneak into their beds and listen to their worries and secret dreams, and together we waited for the sound of your car in the driveway.

There had been a time, when others asked you if you had a dog, that you produced a photo of me from your wallet and told them stories about me. These past few years, you just answered "yes" and changed the subject. I had gone from being "your dog" to "just a dog," and you resented every expenditure on my behalf.

Now, you have a new career opportunity in another city, and you and they will be moving to an apartment that does not allow pets. You've made the right decision for your "family," but there was a time when I was your only family.

I was excited about the car ride until we arrived at the animal shelter. It smelled of dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness. You filled out the paperwork and said "I know you will find a good home for her." They shrugged and gave you a pained look. They understand the realities facing a middle-aged dog, even one with "papers."

You had to pry your son's fingers loose from my collar as he screamed, "No, Daddy! Please don't let them take my dog!" And I worried for him, and what lessons you had just taught him about friendship and loyalty, about love and responsibility, and about respect for all life.

You gave me a good-bye pat on the head, avoided my eyes, and politely refused to take my collar and leash with you. You had a deadline to meet and now I have one, too. After you left, the two nice ladies said you probably knew about your upcoming move months ago and made no attempt to find me another good home. They shook their heads and asked "How could you?"

They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busy schedules allow. They feed us, of course, but I lost my appetite days ago.

At first, whenever anyone passed my pen, I rushed to the front, hoping it was you that you had changed your mind -- that this was all a bad dream... or I hoped it would at least be someone who cared, anyone who might save me.

When I realized I could not compete with the frolicking for attention of happy puppies, oblivious to their own fate, I retreated to a far corner and waited. I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end of the day, and I padded along the aisle after her to a separate room. A blissfully quiet room.

She placed me on the table and rubbed my ears, and told me not to worry. My heart pounded in anticipation of what was to come, but there was also a sense of relief. The prisoner of love had run out of days.

As is my nature, I was more concerned about her. The burden which she bears weighs heavily on her, and I know that, the same way I knew your every mood.

She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear ran down her cheek. I licked her hand in the same way I used to comfort you so many years ago.

She expertly slid the hypodermic needle into my vein. As I felt the sting and the cool liquid coursing through my body, I lay down sleepily, looked into her kind eyes and murmured "How could you?"

Perhaps because she understood my dogspeak, she said "I'm so sorry." She hugged me, and hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure I went to a better place, where I wouldn't be ignored or abused or abandoned, or have to fend for myself --a place of love and light so very different from this earthly place.

And with my last bit of energy, I tried to convey to her with a thump of my tail that my "How could you?" was not directed at her. It was directed at you, My Beloved Master, I was thinking of you. I will think of you and wait for you forever. May everyone in your life continue to show you so much loyalty.

~

 

[Happy]

From ABC, 7 Jan. 09

DOG KILLS CHILD, INJURES ANOTHER

A dog has killed a three-year-old and seriously injured a toddler in the New South Wales Riverina.
The three-year-old's body was found inside a house at Whitton, west of Leeton, about 11:00am (AEDT).

A 16-month-old girl suffered bites to her face and body. She and a woman who was also inside the house are being treated in hospital.
Inspector Tony Reneker from Griffith Police is in Whitton but cannot say yet what breed of dog was involved.

"Police are responding to an address in Whitton where it appears that at least two young children have been attacked by dogs in a family home," he said.

"Unfortunately, one of the children is deceased whilst the other child has been seriously injured and is being treated at Leeton Hospital."

Been a while, and sad part is it will happen again.

Too far away for me to be scared of this particular dog, but quite often I get big scare just having a walk.

Often there is no owner in sight, wish I could carry a gun.

One fellow told me, that he carries packet of hot pepper powder in his pocket, not sure if true and not sure if it would worry the dog.

 

[James Austin]

wish I could carry a gun.

One fellow told me, that he carries packet of hot pepper powder in his pocket, not sure if true and not sure if it would worry the dog.

where i live (semi-rural) everyone seems to have a dog, and some people have up to 4! and fences are often only ~1.2m tall around here

i carry a sawn-off broom handle for protection when walking my dog.

i wouldnt like to use it but one sharp blow to the skull (dog or neighbor; just kidding!) and i'm confident the agressor will let go.

james

 

[CoffeeKing]

i carry a sawn-off broom handle for protection when walking my dog.

james

Like the broom bit, could you put a couple of 6 inch nails through it to make it easier to carry?

 

[robert toms]

Parts of the Riverina always seemed like the wild west to me..with packs of dogs roaming free.
One day my dog was barking at a pack of seven through the cyclone fence.
I talked to the mayor , and to his credit,the council did change things.
I was always very wary walking my dog around the town that I was in.

 

[Happy]

From ABC, 19 Jan. 09

ANOTHER NSW CHILD MAULED BY DOG

A three-year-old girl has suffered serious facial injuries after being attacked by a dog at Moama on the New South Wales-Victoria border.

The attack comes less than two weeks after a pack of dogs killed three-year-old Ruby-Lea White and seriously injured her sister at Whitton in south western NSW.

Police say the girl was attacked while playing at a marina with several other children.
The dog was pulled off the girl by a witness.
She was taken to a local hospital before being flown to the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne.

Didn’t have to wait too long for another attack.

While we debate and talk maybe, muzzles would fix few problems in areas where people interact with after all animals capable of delivering horrific injuries or death.

 

[MrBurns]

Dogs can be like loaded guns, they can kill and have recently.

Unfortunately those who keep dogs that are dangerous are usually of the bogan variety that have vicious dogs to try the boost their own self esteem.

Many breeds should be banned altogether in the city, why keep a large dog in a city backyard ? they need to be able to run, should be on a farm only in most cases.

Councils and Govt dont act responsibly and just let these attacks go on.

The owners should be held responsible, if the dog kills someone they should be charged with manslaughter and appropriate charges for injuries caused.

If any creeps dog got one of mine I'd cook it, make the owner eat it then throw the owner over the fence at the lion enclosure at the Zoo - that's justice.

 

[naddis01]

Parts of the Riverina always seemed like the wild west to me..with packs of dogs roaming free.

Unfortunately I have to agree with you on this. Certainly in the small town I live in in the Riverina which is just down the road from where the 3 year old died a few weeks ago. There is always dogs roaming the streets here anytime of the day/night. I quite often count atleast 8 dogs on the way out of town to work. Keeping in mind thats probably less than 2km, thats alot of dogs. Most people here have large hunting dogs and many do not have fenced yards to keep them in or the fences are only small. The council does nothing about them even after you complain. So what can you do? You would think its only a matter of time before someone gets hurt here as well.

 

[Agentm]

Unfortunately I have to agree with you on this. Certainly in the small town I live in in the Riverina which is just down the road from where the 3 year old died a few weeks ago. There is always dogs roaming the streets here anytime of the day/night. I quite often count atleast 8 dogs on the way out of town to work. Keeping in mind thats probably less than 2km, thats alot of dogs. Most people here have large hunting dogs and many do not have fenced yards to keep them in or the fences are only small. The council does nothing about them even after you complain. So what can you do? You would think its only a matter of time before someone gets hurt here as well.

up north in queensland i had a dog, but it kept being attacked almost daily..

i tied mine ip on a long run, but others let theirs go, they packed and roamed for the females on heat, and became a problem , i was spending $100 - $300 on vet bills every few days and was sick of having my dog stitched up. one week the dog was so exhausted it couldnt fight the pack, and it had cost me more than i was earning a week at the vet i got really pissed off..

council told me they couldnt get them all.. but told me about a one way night pen they had, just put the dog in at the yard and no one could get it out again unless they paid the fines..

i spent the next week at lunch time and after work driving around the streets and soon found all the dogs, (sometime i got lucky and got the same dog a few days later.)

dogs are funny, when you whistle and open the back door and have a few sausages they jump right in, many just jumped in without needing enticing.... just give a cheerful "hey pup"... and whistle a bit and slap the car with your hand and open the door, they bounce right in..

back then it was something like $80 to bail them the first time and way more for multiple offenders.. plus all those unregistered mutts had to be registered to be released..

i think in 2 weeks i never saw a dog out there on the streets again..

dogs come from wolves, its not their fault they pack, hunt or protect their social circle, keeping multiple dogs can create many problems in certain breeds or certain temperaments of dogs..

i know a guy who had 2 rotties, he also had a brand new baby daughter, there were many rules in the house that would ensure as much as possible the pack would accept the new member, with the adults being the alpha the baby was ranked as far as the dogs were concerned lower than them.. if something was not right there wa a chance the dogs could act out their roles, and harm could come to the child. for example feeding.. if a routine is set and suddenly the new member (baby) is put up the food chain, then in some packs the result may be retaliation or resentment from the pack. for me i wouldnt have allowed the slim chance and not had those dogs and a child, its all about personal choices and responsibilities and knowing what a dog is and where it came from imho.