Horror attack on dog in street (From Swindon Advertiser)
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Horror attack on dog in street
6:10am Friday 12th March 2010 in
YORKSHIRE Terrier Harry bears the horrifying evidence of what can happen when dangerous dogs are let loose – he had to have his leg amputated.
He was subjected to a savage attack after a bull terrier charged down a Penhill street before latching on to the 9kg dog.
The attack, which lasted about five minutes, was only halted after a passer-by grabbed a two-foot piece of wood and smashed the out-of-control bull terrier over the head.
Shane Jones, son-in-law of Harry’s owner, described the attack as “maniacal”.
The Penhill resident said: “He and Harry were just walking along and minding their own business at about 11.30am when this brown bull terrier came barrelling down Inglesham Road and latched onto Harry’s leg.
“Although the dog was being kicked repeatedly by my father-in-law he would not let go, he kept his jaw clenched and continued to ravage Harry like a rag doll for about five minutes.
“He was snarling, growling and was acting ferociously. We were just lucky that a bystander chose to fetch that piece of wood.
“When it was all over a woman and two males between the age of 20 and 30 showed up and took the dog away. We are still not sure if they apologised because my dad was in too much shock.
“The vet said there is a good chance Harry will survive, but he is not out of the woods yet.”
Shane added that although the family had been traumatised by the incident last Tuesday, they had been left equally disappointed by the authorities’ response.
He added: “We have called the police and the council’s dog warden, but those calls have been left unreturned. We certainly have not been visited even though the police promised to send a bobby around.
“The dog is still out there - who would be to blame should it attack a child next?
“We are pretty sure we know the street these people live on and neighbours say that, although they don’t know exactly where it lives, it has committed similar attacks before.”
The veterinarian who is helping Harry agreed, saying the Yorkshire Terrier was lucky to be alive.
“This dog sounds like it is a ticking time-bomb,” said Graeme Pack, from Purton Veterinary Group. “If this dog had attacked a child there would be a town-wide search for it, but because it is an animal the police don’t even show up?
“I understand that they may not have the resources to deal with this sort of thing, but they should realise the next victim could easily be a human.
“I would say this dog needs to be found and studied by a behavioural expert to discover what has gone wrong in its socialisation.”
He added: “The bill for the amputation is already £500 over their insurance policy for our attempts to save Harry’s leg and for its amputation. Their policy covers £2,500 of treatment.
“More work may have to be done if Harry’s fever and an infection don’t get better soon but hopefully he’ll pull through.”
Sergeant David Flynn of Swindon police said: “This was obviously a distressing incident and officers will be visiting the dog owners to establish the full details.
“At this stage it would not be appropriate to comment any further and we will liaise directly with the owners.”
The dog is described as dark brown in colour, with long legs (for the breed), wearing a studded collar. Anyone with information should ring police on 0845 4087000.
A spokesman for Swindon Council said: “We’ve no record of any call about this incident coming through our call centre but it’s possible that someone has spoken to the owner directly. We can’t confirm this at the moment but we will look into it further.”
Comments(53)
fi fi and the flower tots
says...
8:59am Fri 12 Mar 10
littlemoush
says...
9:11am Fri 12 Mar 10
Mr Blackwell
says...
9:16am Fri 12 Mar 10
.
Poor old Harry though, hope he recovers.
politicrat
says...
9:26am Fri 12 Mar 10
If someone cant afford these, destroy the animal, chances are that the owner wont be able to pay for damages or vet bills
Too many dogs around, if it was up to me, I would have a yearly national cull and destroy any pets found in the streets with or without a collar.
Veggie
says...
9:56am Fri 12 Mar 10
Veggie
says...
9:56am Fri 12 Mar 10
politicrat
says...
10:00am Fri 12 Mar 10
Veggie wrote:let me guess, you would call social services, and enrol a human rights lawyer to defend the stressed out wild dog.
Thank God it's not up to you!!
You bunch of sissies
Veggie
says...
10:03am Fri 12 Mar 10
Veggie
says...
10:10am Fri 12 Mar 10
Terence
says...
10:15am Fri 12 Mar 10
Veggie wrote:Depends... what do they taste like?
Policrat - I'm not a bunch I and one person! Your calling the wrong person a sissy! Why would I call Social Services - what do they do? They're not wild dogs they're abandonded dogs, the ones people get and then can't be bothered with! Don't tarnish them all by the act of some more savage dogs! Whats next hey - shall we start culling and eating them like whats happening on a massive scale in Asia?
politicrat
says...
10:17am Fri 12 Mar 10
Veggie wrote:you should take a trip to Romania, we are getting there....
Policrat - I'm not a bunch I and one person! Your calling the wrong person a sissy! Why would I call Social Services - what do they do? They're not wild dogs they're abandonded dogs, the ones people get and then can't be bothered with! Don't tarnish them all by the act of some more savage dogs! Whats next hey - shall we start culling and eating them like whats happening on a massive scale in Asia?
I say national cull for any dogs uninsured and non registered.
If people cant pay for them, they cant have them as simple as that.
molly60
says...
10:33am Fri 12 Mar 10
cil tax comes to mind.What are we paying it for exactly?Oh sorry I forgot,high salleries and nice pension funds.Not a lot left for other things.
Bobfm
says...
10:33am Fri 12 Mar 10
There is not a week goes by when she doesn't encounter vicious dogs on leads trying to attack our dog, no matter where she walks him. These can be Ridgebacks, German Shepherds, Bull Terriers etc. The one common factor is they are off a lead and most of the time the owner is no where in sight. She carries a hiking stick and no longer has any hesitation in hitting these dogs, usually followed by abuse from the owner who has finally caught up.
I agree all dogs should be registered, they should be 'chipped', and when out in public me muzzled if they cannot be trusted.
I also believe there should be more breeds on the band list, and owners for that matter.
Bobfm
says...
10:38am Fri 12 Mar 10
Taffynut
says...
10:41am Fri 12 Mar 10
Who is going to pay for that expensive chip? The owners will soon abandon the wild dogs and they will be roaming the streets in hunger and attacking people for a piece of meat!.
Those people who neglect and mistreat damgerous dogs SHOULD be put in a cage WITH the lions to feel the taste of their enjoyment.
Being an animal lover, I deplore those who own and allow dangerous dogs to attack other animals and members of the public for the fun of it.
Recently there were people roaming Regent Street with mastifs and Staff Bullterriers, imagine how the public felt. Where were the police when neded? They were too busy having an extended cuppa!
Extreme measures must be done sooner than later to protect the public and that sweet little pup, Owners do not care whatever their wild dogs do as long as they can get away scot-free.
fi fi and the flower tots
says...
10:41am Fri 12 Mar 10
Bobfm
says...
10:51am Fri 12 Mar 10
Breeders should do it as part of the cost. If you don't agree to it, you don't get the dog.
LillianE
says...
11:25am Fri 12 Mar 10
My husband rang the dog wardens after the attack as we live in Penhill and had heard about this awful incident, we were obviously worried about our own pet. He was told that a brown staffie, matching the description, had been picked up. Today I read that SBC said no call had come through their call centre, I must have imagined my husband making that call then. The adver also states that the police are asking for details from the public, why? Was the dog picked up or not? This is very worrying.
Veggie
says...
11:28am Fri 12 Mar 10
emly1975
says...
12:04pm Fri 12 Mar 10
I don't blame the dog I blame the way the dog is bought up from a puppy as there is another staffie that we quite often meet on walks and they jump all over each other and are fine.
emly1975
says...
12:10pm Fri 12 Mar 10
MikeyH
says...
1:01pm Fri 12 Mar 10
“I understand that they may not have the resources to deal with this sort of thing, but they should realise the next victim could easily be a human. - end quote.
The dog along with its owners must be found and destroyed as already stated - next might be a child - yours
Gooey
says...
1:10pm Fri 12 Mar 10
If the dog in the article was under control,why didn't the owner pick it up before it was attacked by the out of control dog?I've taken this action many a time when my dog has been approached by another of its lead.Bull terriers have attacked when approached by a dog of its lead, as it feels threatened.The onwer of the dog off the lead then blames the other owner.How would they like it if they were restrained and had someone charge at them? "oh but he's only being friendly" ****!
Bobfm
says...
1:12pm Fri 12 Mar 10
My walks him at least twice a day and usually three times so I guess that increases the chances.
RainbowAngel
says...
1:26pm Fri 12 Mar 10
ToriaPlum
says...
1:33pm Fri 12 Mar 10
Thank you for your interest in Harry's story. i am the grandaughter of Harry's owners and it has been a very difficult and upsetting time for all of us. Just by reading the comments and having this on the front page of the paper is a major milestone to show what dangerous dogs can do. i would just like to inform people that the dog which attached Harry has been found at an address in Penhill and the dog warden will be informing us very shortly. One again thankyou and very much appreciated
RainbowAngel
says...
1:36pm Fri 12 Mar 10
politicrat
says...
2:11pm Fri 12 Mar 10
RainbowAngel wrote:Unfortunately, I agree but dogs are now weapons, and as such should be strongly regulated or banned all together if not being part of a profession: guide dogs, police dogs, S&R dogs etc..
What we need to do politicrat is not do a yearly cull of dogs but of the chavs that have these dogs. Most dog owners are responsible and have their dogs insured, chipped and clear up after them. But as a lot of chavs have these types of dogs for fighting and for weapons these dogs have been given a bad name, in the right hands these dogs are ok, as the saying goes punish the deed not the breed, and behind the vicious dog take a long hard look at the owner THATS where the problem lies.
We have banned guns after few morons decided to go on a rampage, why can't we do the same with dogs, I am sure dogs have killed/injured more people than guns over the last few years.
regulate the dog population or ban them all is the only answer, any dogs not registered and uninsured should be destroyed and the owner sent to jail, for tax evasion.
We cant be nice anymore, its time to get though, it was a poor little dog this time, what's next? a toddler a baby a senior? ACTION NOW!
InAtTheDeepEnd
says...
2:24pm Fri 12 Mar 10
Mr Blackwell wrote:its more than likely the dog was bought with drug money!!
We seriously need to look at reducing the amount of benefits people are paid if they can afford to buy, feed and maintain these killer dogs.
.
Poor old Harry though, hope he recovers.
Just goes to show the council are crap, the police are crap!!!
Kineasy
says...
4:26pm Fri 12 Mar 10
PK
says...
4:41pm Fri 12 Mar 10
politicrat wrote:So, you're going to kill a much loved, well looked after animal because the owner can't afford to pay what you would propose?
Any dog owner, should have this animal registered with the police together with providing DNA sample of the dog, pay a licence to own it and proof of insurance.
If someone cant afford these, destroy the animal, chances are that the owner wont be able to pay for damages or vet bills
Too many dogs around, if it was up to me, I would have a yearly national cull and destroy any pets found in the streets with or without a collar.
What about elderly people with a little dog, perhaps the only companion they have? Would you kill such a dog because the owner, on a state pension, couldn't afford extortionate insurance etc.?
I have two dogs. They are NEVER allowed out on their own. In public places they are kept on the lead all the time. They are kept firmly under control. I clean up after my dogs too. They have also been neutered and both are microchipped.
With the current consultation going on, it will be responsible dog owners like myself and the poor chap and his dog in the article who will be penalised for a minority of irresponsible idiots who are not fit to be in charge of a goldfish.
A far better way forward would be to increase the penalties there are now and throw the book at those who refuse to keep their dog on a lead in public areas, who open the door and let the dog out to do as it pleases.
I live in Penhill and no longer walk my dogs in Penhill Copse because of dogs, mainly Staffies or Jack Russells running loose. My dogs have been charged more than once. They were on the lead. Although they are big dogs, had these other dogs attacked, I would have been landed with a huge vets bill and possibly my son and myself injured as well.
Bear in mind, too, that this was not an attack on a human, but it was dog on dog and that is viewed differently. I have no doubt either that such a dog could attack a child with devasting consequences.
Perhaps the best the police could do if the owners are traced is prosecute them for allowing their dog to run out of control.
I also wonder if this has anything to do with the couple chasing a brown Staffie earlier in the week (Monday or Tuesday) that I saw near Seagry Court. It was being pursued by a young couple.
My sympathies go to Harry and his owners. I hope he makes a good recovery, poor little chap.
PK
says...
5:07pm Fri 12 Mar 10
Kineasy wrote:I object to Penhill being called a sink estate.
Getting out of hand. High time plod got off his/her butt and implemented the law. Zero tolerance on this one, it should not be an excuse that the owner is a drug funded moron living on a sink estate.
The vast majority of people in Penhill are good, hard-working, decent people. Please don't let a few feckless ne'er-do-wells cloud your judgement.
I help out with dog rescue and I can assure you some of the worst cases come from so-called "middle-class" families who you would think should know better.
They get a dog for little Johnny or Janie, the novelty wears off and the poor dog gets neglected and beaten or abandoned.
Both my dogs are rescues. One was abandoned in the middle of a busy street in London. It took time to get him over his fear of traffic.
My other dog was severely beaten as a puppy and will bear the physical scars of that for the rest of his life.
Both are good, well-behaved dogs now but I've also taken the time and patience to train them to behave properly. All done with kindness and reward.
I also have to feel sorry for the Staffie in this article. It is not his fault that he had such abysmal owners. He didn't ask to be bought or given to these individuals.
What kind of life has he had? None, I'll bet. What if he'd run infront of a car and been seriously injured or killed because his owners wouldn't put him on a lead? Bet they'd be screaming blue murder at the poor car driver.
Every day I see dogs near the roads off lead. I saw one this morning - and it wasn't a Staffie but looked like an elderly cross Collie/Lab.
I have heard people say "Oh. He won't run onto the road". How can they be so sure? If the dog sees something that takes his interest at the other side of the road, he'll be off - possibly under the wheels of a vehicle.
In nearly 100% of cases, it is nearly ALWAYS the owners at fault.
ToriaPlum. I'm so glad the dog in question and the owners have been caught, not just because of what has happened to Harry but to stop the dog doing something like this again. I hope the full weight of the law is brought down on them, that they are banned from keeping animals for life and that, if there is a Court case come out of this, that the judge orders that your family have all vet bills paid by the owners of the Staffie.
helldriver
says...
5:58pm Fri 12 Mar 10
umpcah
says...
6:19pm Fri 12 Mar 10
Terence wrote:I often have a hot dog with onions - they`re lovely with a dash of mustard. Try one !
Veggie wrote: Policrat - I'm not a bunch I and one person! Your calling the wrong person a sissy! Why would I call Social Services - what do they do? They're not wild dogs they're abandonded dogs, the ones people get and then can't be bothered with! Don't tarnish them all by the act of some more savage dogs! Whats next hey - shall we start culling and eating them like whats happening on a massive scale in Asia?Depends... what do they taste like?
Shane857
says...
6:23pm Fri 12 Mar 10
HARRY HAS THE RIGHT TO LIVE! whether he is a child or a dog and should have certain rights in law.
Thank you, Shane
Bobfm
says...
7:04pm Fri 12 Mar 10
fi fi and the flower tots
says...
7:11pm Fri 12 Mar 10
Happy Girl
says...
8:05pm Fri 12 Mar 10
I just wish to say that please dont think that all Staffordshire Bull Terriers are bad, its down to the owner on how they have trained the dog that makes them have this horrid name! I own a beautiful Staffie, I really couldnt wish for a better dog. He is loyal, friendly, well behaved and fun to have. He loves playing with other dogs and loves lots of attention from humans too! He goes over the fields every weekend - off the lead too and not once has he ever attacked another dog!
I really do hope that from what has happened that you dont feel bitter towards all bull terriers it seems to me that the owner of the one that attacked your little one should not own a pet!!!!
Hope for a speedy recovery! x
Kineasy
says...
9:01pm Fri 12 Mar 10
Sorry to imply Penhill is a sink estate, I am well aware that the majority of its residents are decent folk struggling to make ends meet, the same as the rest of us. As elsewhere in Swindon a handfull of ferral yobs stain the entire town.
It makes me very angry that we allow them to get away with it.
PK
says...
1:52am Sat 13 Mar 10
Kineasy wrote:The law is an **** in this country Kineasy. It turns criminals into victims and the victims into criminals.
PK
Sorry to imply Penhill is a sink estate, I am well aware that the majority of its residents are decent folk struggling to make ends meet, the same as the rest of us. As elsewhere in Swindon a handfull of ferral yobs stain the entire town.
It makes me very angry that we allow them to get away with it.
It's letting everyone down badly.
I know what you mean about feral youths. I stopped visiting a friend in another estate because I felt intimidated every time I went there. It's like a rabbit warren. I was always listening for my car alarm going off and just couldn't relax.
It shouldn't be like that but at the end of the day, the ultimate responsibility for youngsters lies with the parents.
PK
says...
2:19am Sat 13 Mar 10
The owners, however, will probably be prosecuted for failing to keep their dog under control. What the outcome of that will be, I would guess a fine and possibly a ban on keeping animals for a period of time.
As for the dog. I doubt if he will be put down unless the owners request it. The authorities do not usually put a dog down for attacking (or fighting) with another dog. He will probably end up in rescue, rehabilitated, socialised properly with other dogs (can be a long, slow process) and eventually a new, loving, responsible home found for him.
kyalami
says...
8:40am Sat 13 Mar 10
Ther are occasions where he is off the lead in parks, too far in front, or I don't see another dog coming, and he 'has a go' at them for which I am always very apologetic and check that the other dog is ok (unless the owners have already disappeared moaning about us).
By the same token, he has been on the receiving end of mastiffs and we both paid the price in terms of injuries and vet's bills!
Border Collies are not classed (as far as I know) under the Dangerous Dogs Act but any dog is capable of attacking, though some more than others, hence why I am always very careful when my nephews or niece come over.
I agree that if the owners of the dog attacking in this instance are not responsible owners then it should be taken off them, though how they could prove this with their dog running around the streets unattended, I don't know.
lonestranger
says...
9:12am Sat 13 Mar 10
doug on the farm
says...
11:59am Sat 13 Mar 10
Bobfm
says...
1:15pm Sat 13 Mar 10
Happy Girl, the problem is with certain breeds they react to the other dogs being on a lead, and see them as an easy target. The other problem of course is the nature and power of their jaws.
As I have said before any dog who is likely to be confrontation either with another animal or human should be muzzled in public and on a lead.
As for the comment from the cross collie, I'm sorry if you know your dog is aggressive with other dogs, why do you let it off the lead , let alone out of your sight.
Saying sorry when you know this dog has this aggressive streak is no consolation for another dog or owner who have been frightened to death.
Casual Observer
says...
1:40pm Sat 13 Mar 10
Sounds good Bob, what kind of music would they play?
PK
says...
1:49pm Sat 13 Mar 10
Do what I do when out in public. Use a muzzle. They don't cost a lot but could save you a lot of money in possible 3rd party claims against you and your dog for any injuries he may inflict.
You could also use a muzzle in conjunction with a long training lead. This gives the dog some freedom but gives you control over your dog too.
Really, the best way to stop your dog from being aggressive towards other dogs is to get him - and yourself properly trained.
Sounds like he needs to be socialised and also taught basic commands such as recall, DOWN - NOW!, and LEAVE.
There are plenty of good dog training classes in Swindon and the surrounding area and I know the RSPCA at Bath have a behaviourist who runs classes for the public.
Some dogs, due to the way they are brought up, don't know how to interact with other dogs. Dog body language is very complex and subtle. It takes a long time to learn to read it.
Often dog fights start, even with the most placid dogs, whether big or small, because one or the other dogs displays body language that is a "threat" or "challenge" to the other dog.
In reality, most dog fights are over in less than 10 seconds and are a show of dominance. Unfortunately, in that 10 seconds a lot of damage can be done to one or both dogs.
Please also consider neutering your dog (if he isn't already).
There are enough unwanted dogs (and the same goes for cats) in rescue up and down the country.
It can also help to calm them down and make them less aggressive. Be guided by your vet on that one.
To Doug on the Farm. I microchipped my dogs and I'm not against all dogs being microchipped, as it is a cheap (mine cost £12 for each chip) way of making sure if your dog does get lost (as opposed to being let to run wild), the chances are you will be reunited very quickly. The RSPCA often run free microchipping sessions at various points in town.
As my dogs are both rescues, it was part of the agreement that I signed when I adopted them that I had them microchipped.
I can also assure you, that if we are walking anywhere near sheep or livestock, I keep them both on the lead. Better safe than sorry.
BobFM is right. You do have a right to shoot dogs running loose on your farmland. I just hope you wouldn't do what some farmers have done recently - try and shoot dogs walking on public rights-of-way while on the lead and under full control of their owners. In fact, I think one did get shot last year. That, is wrong.
kyalami
says...
7:21pm Sat 13 Mar 10
Thanks for your comments.
My dog is also a rescue dog (approaching 8 years old now but only 18 months with me) so I don't know his history.
He is neutered and also micro-chipped.
I did buy a 'Baskerville' muzzle a while back but maybe naivety or convincing myself that he didn't really need it means that I haven't put it on him as yet.
Perhaps I should try it out for a while as I'm sure that he will soon become accustomed to it, and I can take it off as soon as he's back on the lead, although some people say that they are not a good idea because the dog wearing a muzzle can not then defend themself if required.
I have also found details of a local behaviourist and emailed them tonight so hopefully they may be able to help us sort this problem out.
As for 'dangerous dogs', I don't know enough about it but if dogs are treated as you see on telly, baited and forced to fight then aggression has to be in their nature BUT I have often put my dog on a lead when I have seen Rottweillers, Staffies, Dobermans, etc approaching not because of their reputation but to keep my dog under control. I make a point of mentioning this so as not to give the impression that we are frightened of their friendly, placid (in general) natured dogs.
alkpurple
says...
8:32pm Sat 13 Mar 10
Not everyone that lives in penhill is a druggie or lives on benefits. My husband and I both work but are unable to afford a mortgage at the moment. Not all Staffie owners are druggies a family friend has 2 and they are the most softest dogs you could meet and are certainly not druggies. Unfortunately it is the owners of dogs that cause them to attack- My mum and dad have a English Springer who is not allowed to be around children due to beaten and pushed out by previous owners. When ever he is out he is always muzzled -this was mainly started due to him eating anything and having a bad belly. My mum is always keeping him on a short lead around other dogs due to a goldern retreiver attemping to attack him!
ToriaPlum
says...
9:05am Mon 15 Mar 10
First of all, Thank you for all your support and comments on here; My family have been reading everyday and most of them are very supportive.
Unfortunately Harry was laid to sleep on Saturday the 13th of March; due to his injuries and the huge amount of medication he was on.Harry was critically poorly and did not want to suffer any more.
We are missing him very much.
Harry was the kindest, most friendly & lively dog. We have a hole in our family and a hole in our hearts.
Rest in Peace Puppy.
Thank you and kind regards
Miss V Jones - Harry's Family Member
LillianE
says...
10:42am Mon 15 Mar 10
I really hope that the owners of the dog that attacked Harry are brought to book on this and are banned from keeping animals.
My family's thoughts are with you as we can understand that you haven't just lost a pet but a member of your family.
Take care and keep strong xx
PK
says...
2:34am Tue 16 Mar 10
ToriaPlum wrote:So very, very sorry to hear poor Harry's gone to Rainbow Bridge :(
Dear All,
First of all, Thank you for all your support and comments on here; My family have been reading everyday and most of them are very supportive.
Unfortunately Harry was laid to sleep on Saturday the 13th of March; due to his injuries and the huge amount of medication he was on.Harry was critically poorly and did not want to suffer any more.
We are missing him very much.
Harry was the kindest, most friendly & lively dog. We have a hole in our family and a hole in our hearts.
Rest in Peace Puppy.
Thank you and kind regards
Miss V Jones - Harry's Family Member
Run free sweet Harry with the angels xx
I know this probably isn't the time, but perhaps, when the hurt of this has healed a little, your family might consider adopting another dog. I know Harry can never be replaced but there are so many unwanted, abused and neglected dogs just crying out for a family to call their own where they'll be treated with love, kindness and respect.
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Janais is back says...
8:39am Fri 12 Mar 10
I hope the owners of the dog make appropriate complaints about a Police system that acts in this way - It is disgusting that nothing has been done.
All these types of incident that the Police cannot or do not react to only serves to generate a vigilante culture - I for one would give my assistance to having a word with the offending dog owner.