Hellhounds

[Rusty Nails]

Well, given the over-estimates by many owners of their dogs' obedience, docility, harmlessness, etc...
Should be fine as long as they carry their plastic sh!t bags and clean up as they go.

On the one hand they do have a point that it's really not the breed of dog. On the other, that tends to point the finger at the owners.

It is a combination of the breed and the owner. There is a reason why unsuitable owners go for these dogs rather than shih tzus.

In the US the argument is often that it is not the gun but the owner that is the problem but a bad owner with an assault weapon is likely to cause a lot more damage than one with a handgun.

 

[Ian H]

It is a combination of the breed and the owner. There is a reason why unsuitable owners go for these dogs rather than shih tzus.

In the US the argument is often that it is not the gun but the owner that is the problem but a bad owner with an assault weapon is likely to cause a lot more damage than one with a handgun.

Not an equivalence. Dogs are not mechanical weapons, they have to be trained. Any dog that's large enough can be lethal. Perhaps we should ban or muzzle all dogs over a certain size.

 

[matticus]

Not an equivalence. Dogs are not mechanical weapons, they have to be trained. Any dog that's large enough can be lethal. Perhaps we should ban or muzzle all dogs over a certain size.

I think if you added a clause like "until the owner has proved correct training (of owner+dog)" - not dissimiliar to gun laws - I don't see much of a problem with that.
Now, given that this won't happen in our lifetimes in the UK, could you treat this as a thought experiment and explain to me why it's a daft idea?

 

[BoldonLad]

Not an equivalence. Dogs are not mechanical weapons, they have to be trained. Any dog that's large enough can be lethal. Perhaps we should ban or muzzle all dogs over a certain size.

I think that should be: "muzzle all dogs, and, insist they are on a lead (not an extending lead) in all public spaces" otherwise, agreed.

 

[Cirrus]

I think that should be: "muzzle all dogs, and, insist they are on a lead (not an extending lead) in all public spaces" otherwise, agreed.

A quick google suggests that there are on average 3 fatalities a year due to dog attacks in the uk, which, weirdly, is the same average for cyclists killing pedestrians per year ( again according to a quick Google)

 

[Beebo]

A quick google suggests that there are on average 3 fatalities a year due to dog attacks in the uk, which, weirdly, is the same average for cyclists killing pedestrians per year ( again according to a quick Google)

I think that’s pre lockdown.
Post lockdown, after the increase in ownership and lack of socialisation, the numbers have jumped.

 

[BoldonLad]

A quick google suggests that there are on average 3 fatalities a year due to dog attacks in the uk, which, weirdly, is the same average for cyclists killing pedestrians per year ( again according to a quick Google)

It is not just instances of death, there are also numerous instances of injury, of various severity.

I don't know about you, but, personally, I like the idea of being able to walk, cycle, jog etc without the anxiety of being mauled by Fido, the "he/she is just a big softie" out of control "pet", and, yes, I also like the ability to do those things without being knocked down by a motor vehicle, or, speeding electric bike, but, the fact those things are not adequately controlled is not, in my opinion, a reason for adding another problem to the mix.

 

[Electric_Andy]

I think that should be: "muzzle all dogs, and, insist they are on a lead (not an extending lead) in all public spaces" otherwise, agreed.

That's not very fair on the dog though, it basically means that if you haven't got private land then you can't let your dog off for a run. I'd actually prefer a dog not to be alive, than to have them cooped up in a house all day, and then pulling the owner around a park on their "walk". Muzzles yes, agree for safety, but banning dogs from running is a huge risk to animal welfare

 

[matticus]

That's not very fair on the dog though, it basically means that if you haven't got private land then you can't let your dog off for a run. I'd actually prefer a dog not to be alive, than to have them cooped up in a house all day, and then pulling the owner around a park on their "walk". Muzzles yes, agree for safety, but banning dogs from running is a huge risk to animal welfare

 

[Rusty Nails]

Not an equivalence. Dogs are not mechanical weapons, they have to be trained. Any dog that's large enough can be lethal. Perhaps we should ban or muzzle all dogs over a certain size.

Not equivalent but a comparison.

An assault weapon is likely to cause more damage in the hands of a bad owner than a handgun.

An XL Bully with a bad owner is likely to cause more damage than a Shih Tzu.

Dogs, no matter how well-trained, can be unpredictable so having them muzzled in public areas is a good start, especially large dogs.

Incidentally, I went for a walk around a recently re-opened park/reservoir this morning which has banned dogs and cyclists. Reading some of the posts online about it from dog walkers you would think a heinous crime had been committed (no complaints from cyclists), despite the fact that they are next to open countryside where they can roam and sh*t freely (the dogs not the owners).

 

[BoldonLad]

That's not very fair on the dog though, it basically means that if you haven't got private land then you can't let your dog off for a run. I'd actually prefer a dog not to be alive, than to have them cooped up in a house all day, and then pulling the owner around a park on their "walk". Muzzles yes, agree for safety, but banning dogs from running is a huge risk to animal welfare

I am more concerned about human welfare, and, in particular, my welfare. 😊

 

[Fab Foodie]

I am more concerned about human welfare, and, in particular, my welfare. 😊

 

[Rusty Nails]

View attachment 4625

That dog looks embarrassed.

Reported to the RSPCA!

 

[BoldonLad]

View attachment 4625

I am not a "natural" dog lover, but, there are times when I think there should be a "Dog-line", a sort of Childline equivalent for dogs.

 

[stephec]

I am not a "natural" dog lover, but, there are times when I think there should be a "Dog-line", a sort of Childline equivalent for dogs.

If you're good enough to train your dog to use the phone then you should have no problem getting a dog licence.