Dangerous Dogs Act
Discussion
Evening all,
Just had a slight issue that MAY come back to bite me in the arse.
We live in a small apartment complex (8 Apartments over 3 floors). Not secured so anyone can come and go. Very quiet though and get on well with all the neighbours.
Around an hour ago, hear banging and shouting, decided to go out to make sure everything is ok and thought I'd take our dog so could empty at same time. He is a German Shepherd X who is 95lbs. Get outside and there is a group of teenage chavs who have been 'punching walls' and throwing things about. 2 neighbours have already come out and asked them to leave, ended up in an argument with 1 of the neighbours as the other has walked away. I approach with dog under a very short lead and under complete control. Tell them to leave in two words, get a gob full and one takes a step towards me (15/16 year old covered in blood) dog takes exception to this and lunges at him growling, pulled him back immediately, he made no contact but was enough to make the lad back off, warned him not to come closer again as he may get bitten.
Bit of verbal back and forth, kept telling them in two words to leave, eventually get the message and they leave.
Now, I'm glad the dog got protective as I didn't know why this lad was covered in blood, for all I know he had a knife. However, the Dangerous Dog Act is fairly clear in fact that if someone felt intimidated by my dog, that's it, guilty, no excuse.
Now I doubt they will contact Police, but am I in the s
t if they do?
Cheers.
(Sorry for the length, adrenaline still coming down.)
Just had a slight issue that MAY come back to bite me in the arse.
We live in a small apartment complex (8 Apartments over 3 floors). Not secured so anyone can come and go. Very quiet though and get on well with all the neighbours.
Around an hour ago, hear banging and shouting, decided to go out to make sure everything is ok and thought I'd take our dog so could empty at same time. He is a German Shepherd X who is 95lbs. Get outside and there is a group of teenage chavs who have been 'punching walls' and throwing things about. 2 neighbours have already come out and asked them to leave, ended up in an argument with 1 of the neighbours as the other has walked away. I approach with dog under a very short lead and under complete control. Tell them to leave in two words, get a gob full and one takes a step towards me (15/16 year old covered in blood) dog takes exception to this and lunges at him growling, pulled him back immediately, he made no contact but was enough to make the lad back off, warned him not to come closer again as he may get bitten.
Bit of verbal back and forth, kept telling them in two words to leave, eventually get the message and they leave.
Now, I'm glad the dog got protective as I didn't know why this lad was covered in blood, for all I know he had a knife. However, the Dangerous Dog Act is fairly clear in fact that if someone felt intimidated by my dog, that's it, guilty, no excuse.
Now I doubt they will contact Police, but am I in the s
t if they do?Cheers.
(Sorry for the length, adrenaline still coming down.)
Many thanks for the advice, has put my mind at ease. Just thought I'd read up on Dangerous Dogs Act just in case and it seems very stacked against the dog, no mention of defence, under full control etc. Just if someone is intimidated, that's it. Guilty and dog could be taken away (over my dead body!!)
As for a pic....
Crossed with a Dalmatian of all things! Rescue about 2 years ago after he was beaten by his previous owner.
As for a pic....
Crossed with a Dalmatian of all things! Rescue about 2 years ago after he was beaten by his previous owner.
Morning all,
Sorry for the delayed reply.
Basically I read the legislation then an article written by the RSPCA regarding owners responsibilities and outcomes from the Dangerous Dogs Act. I may have got my wires crossed. I wouldn't care if I received a fine/community service etc, but if it had the potential to harm my dog, that's a different situation.
No further issues though and heard nothing from any authority, assume if reported to Police would have had a visit this evening.
Hope the little barstewards learnt a lesson though and won't be coming back, I have a quiet life and prefer it that way!
Sorry for the delayed reply.
Basically I read the legislation then an article written by the RSPCA regarding owners responsibilities and outcomes from the Dangerous Dogs Act. I may have got my wires crossed. I wouldn't care if I received a fine/community service etc, but if it had the potential to harm my dog, that's a different situation.
No further issues though and heard nothing from any authority, assume if reported to Police would have had a visit this evening.
Hope the little barstewards learnt a lesson though and won't be coming back, I have a quiet life and prefer it that way!
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