| Topic: | Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Dangerous Dogs - A Serious Problem, please read | |
| Posted by: | Louise John | |
| Date/Time: | 27/04/09 11:18:00 |
| I have contacted Sarah directly with my concerns regarding St Paul's Park. However, I felt compelled to respond on the topic of "un-neutered" males being blamed for aggression. I have an "un-neutered" male Basset Hound who show's absolutely no aggression whatsoever and is so submissive he can play in the park with some of the dog's other dog owners avoid like the plague. My husband and I have discussed it at length and having consulted the vet and considered the pro's and con's have no intention of having him neutered. It is not true that neutering a male dog will always destroy his urge to mount female dogs or that it will reduce aggression. It can help in some cases but is no substitute for the council enforcing the law's regarding dangerous dogs. Aggression is learnt and also responsive behaviour. It is up to owners to control aggressive behaviour and muzzle dangerous animals. Female dogs are just as capable of being aggressive as male dogs, off the top of my head I can think of two female dogs who regularly visit St Paul's Park that I would not walk my dog with. One of them is the dog that Sarah has referred to and who snapped at her Jack Russell. Unfortunately, as many people have pointed out the owners are often as un-pleasant as their dog's. I do agree with Mary that some owners over-react, I guess I have taken the odd risk with my dog to allow him to be put in his place; for example I let a female Rhodesian Ridgeback do it and now they are the best of friends. However, I did that at my own risk and am not suggesting other people should do the same. I think it is also worth mentioning that there are friendly staffordshire bull terriers that visit the park and they are not the only breed responsible for aggressive behaviour. My dog was nipped by a Yorkshire terrier so little dog's are not without fault. Ultimately, both the police and the council need to enforce the law. One point that hasn't been raised is that a number of vicious dog's live in social housing. My Mum live's in social housing and had to obtain permission to have her dog and was warned that if any complaints were received the council would investigate. Clearly this is not happening in our borough???? I have seen police support officers in the park recently but they appeared to be chatting and eating their lunch rather than investigating dangerous dog's! |