| Topic: | Dangerous Dogs - A Serious Problem, please read | |
| Posted by: | Sarah Brownlee | |
| Date/Time: | 11/03/09 18:49:00 |
| Why is it that the problem of dangerous dogs - namely Staffordshire Bull Terriers and Pitbulls - are still a problem within Brentford, espeially St Paul's park? Why is it that the majority of dog owners, who are decent, law-abiding people, are constantly having to watch their backs in case an irresposible owner decides to let his rampant dog loose, and there's a chance decent citizens' dogs might be attacked? But most of all, WHY are the authorities allowing this to happen? For almost a year, I was continuously pushing members of our 'authority' to do something about the problems regarding these animals and their owners within our community. I have had meetings with councillors, local police and the borough warden in an attempt to have the problem sorted; I created a petition that almost every dog owner of the local park (aside from the specific owners we're talking about) signed and sent it off to our local MP; I appeared in an article for 'The Informer' regarding this matter to try and create awareness of this issue; I have written to Lord Baker who instigated the Dangerous Dogs Act '91, who replied that he was sorry to hear of these problems and how unfortunate it is that this issue has spiralled out of control; Jacqui Smith, our Home Secretary, wrote to me with her department's suggestions for improvement for this issue; I have regularly encountered disgusting attitudes, verbal abuse and preposterous behaviour from the very people who own these dogs, whose big mouths and filthy language give the impression that they ought to muzzle themselves, as well as their dogs. The end result to all this? Well, the end result is NOTHING. I was walking in the park today and came across a lady who mentioned to me that her fourteen-week old terrier had just been attacked by a pitbull in the park. THAT is the result, everybody. We are right back to square one, back to where we started. It disgusts me that those of us who are decent dog owners must feel like we are under seige; that the minority who don't know how to handle their dogs will let them run loose - and on the many occasions where their dogs HAVE attacked they will usually laugh or else pretend nothing happened; say they "didn't know it would happen." Do they learn from it? No. Are they punished for it? No, of course not. People are afraid; the type of people who own these dogs are the types who would be quick to bite your head off should you dare to say anything back to them; is it any wonder their dogs are so aggressive when the owners behave the way they do? We must not be afraid any longer; we are talking about a MINORITY of dog owners, who all seem to own the same sort of dog, ie, Staff, Pitbull, Rottweiler. No, we know that not ALL members of these breeds are vicious and that ownership does have a lot to do with it; but if you own one of these breed of dogs and you know your dog is not dangerous, don't sit there whinging about stereotypes - get up and start doing something about the people who are CREATING this stereotype. So many dogs are being attacked thanks to out-of-control dogs and their irresponsible loudmouth owners (who it is easy to spot from a mile off) and it is simply getting ridiculous. Are the authorities going to help us? It doesn't look like it. From my experience with them, they all fob off the work onto each other; the police blame the law, the council blame the police, the warden blames the police, well what does it matter who's fault it is as long as you all get up and atually take action? And yet, still, after all my own individual persistance there is nothing to show for it. They are supposed to be protecting us but they are not. This issue has been brought to their attention many times. Yes, a few patrols round the park; yes, meetings and promises of action; yes, orders of signage to be placed round the park. But nothing. It's laugable. That's why we as the people must stand up and protect ourselves and make a difference; we must band together, for there is strength in numbers. These lowlives, the minority who don't only care nothing for us, but for their own dogs too, are getting away with it because they know that they can strike fear into the rest of us. What is there to be afraid of? A few spiteful words? Aggressive stances and threats? Once these irresponsible owners realize that we mean business, it is they who will start to feel worried, the same way we have all felt for a long time. So stand with me and help me do something about this problem; we can only achieve it if we work together, as a community. |