Dogs & (Jobsworth) Phoenix Park Rangers

JaxMax

I had a run in with a ranger in Phoenix Park today. I was on the Fifteen Acres near the Popes Cross, this is where I usually walk my dogs, have been coming here every day for the last 3 years and never been bothered or 'told off' by a ranger before now. We were just walking back to the car when the ranger drives over to me and tells me my dogs should be on the lead - they actually were, I'd just put them on as we were approaching the road. I asked why and he said because it was a deer park (well, duh, as if I didn't know that) and that as I had an Irish Wolfhound he most definately should be on the lead all the time.

I tried to explain politely that both my dogs are exceptionally well trained and even if off the lead in the vicinity of the deer, would never chase/bother the deer, but as a responsible dog owner I always put them on the lead anyway if the deer are about. He wasn't having any of it and insisted that my Wolfhound (who rarely leaves my side anyway apart from his initial run of about 30 seconds when he gets out of the car!) should be on the lead all the time.

Now I've looked on the internet at the Bye Laws for Phoenix Park and the only breed mentioned (apart from the stupid so called 'dangerous breeds' list) that should be kept on a lead at all times is the Greyhound. It does say that all dogs should be kept on a lead at all times in the Park Gardens but I gather this is a specific area and not around the Pope's Cross?

So, does the ranger have the right to tell me to keep my Wolfhound on the lead at all times if the deer are nowhere around? They certainly weren't anywhere within sight today. He wasn't running around wild, he will run for the ball occasionally, but more often than not just walks at my side. Have the Bye Laws been changed to say that all dogs should be kept on the lead in all areas of the park. And if I feel I am being 'bullied' by a ranger (if the same one catches me again with my Wolfhound off the lead causing no trouble with no deer around) who can I complain to?

I really feel like complaining to someone anyway because his attitude stank and did not want to listen to what I was saying. Anyone else come up against the Phoenix Park rangers and won?

Thanks in advance,
Jax

Grawns

Have lived beside the park all my life and have been walking my dogs there forever ( german shepard, bearded collie, rottweiler,and asorted mutts RIP, currently I have a dalmatian and a small orange mutt.) I have never heard the like! It's true that dogs must be on leads in the peoples gardens at the Parkgate street end and obviously your dogs should be under your control.


One suggestion though, the top of the 15 acres where the model airplanes fly is one of the deers must usual hangouts. I would drive another few minutes through the park and park either by the dog pond ( Citadel pond) or the turn just before it ( I walk so I'm not sure). See this map it's the best I could find.


Anyway don't mind that fella and enjoy your walks

Annika30

I think it's great! Sounds to me like the ranger did a fantastic job, I'm fed up with all misbehaved dogs running off the lead. My dog has been attacked a couple of times so I'm fed up with irresponsible owners at this point.

Grawns

Annika30 wrote: »

I think it's great! Sounds to me like the ranger did a fantastic job, I'm fed up with all misbehaved dogs running off the lead. My dog has been attacked a couple of times so I'm fed up with irresponsible owners at this point.

I take it that this means that you never let your dogs off the lead? Perhaps you should read the whole thread.

Annika30

I certainly do let them off but not in a park with big signs saying 'Keep dogs on a lead'.:D
I'm sure JaxMax is not an irresponsible owner but as far as I'm concerned the ranger was only doing his job.

Arcadian

I got the same lecture one day from a ranger for having my jrt off lead, we were playing fetch with a rope toy with not a deer, or rabbit, or duck in sight He made a point of telling me three times how they can shoot dogs that chase deer. I wonder was it the same guy?:rolleyes:

lightening

Yeah, I have seen the same happen on an empty Dollymount beach in the middle of winter. A young couple being told to put their lab on a lead. The rules are the rules, its unfortunate.

I have seen the very same guy turn a blind eye to scummers on trial bikes tear up the dunnes.

Basically, if your a decent person you are easier to approach and give a bollicking to. They are a bit more cautious approaching twelve headcases on trial bikes and stolen mopeds. Human nature.

JaxMax

Well I didn't let it rest and this morning phoned the Phoenix Park Visitor's Centre who gave me the number of the Park Administration who were able to confirm I was right about the Bye Laws.

The Ranger had no right to tell me to keep my Wolfhound on the lead at all times in that area, especially as the deer were nowhere in sight and he wasn't out of control or bothering anyone (there wasn't anyone else around anyway).

I asked why he would do so then and the guy on the phone said he must have been mistaken about the dangerous dogs breeds list - however, I personally think he was being a jumped-up power hungry little hitler who likes bullying women. You'd think if they are supposed to be enforcing the Bye Laws in the Park then they'd make sure they knew them first!

Annika, I take it you don't walk your dog in Phoenix Park because there are no signs saying 'Keep Dogs on Leads', the only part of the Park that dogs must be kept on a lead is in the Flower Gardens. And as I stated in my original post, my dogs are well trained, and always go on the lead if the deer are around - that goes for other dogs too. In the past I have had 2 of my dogs (one a puppy) attacked by other loose dogs so I know how you feel, but it's a terrible attitude taking the side of a Ranger who doesn't know what on earth he was talking about and probably only did it because he likes the power rush - as you can see, he was hardly "doing his job", I'd go as far as saying he was abusing his authority.

I have walked in that same area for the last 3 years and met lots of great dog owners and never had a problem with any of their dogs, and my dogs have made lots of 'doggy friends' - it's great to see a happy, healthy, properly socialised dog having a romp with his/her mates. I feel sorry for the dogs kept on leads all their lives because the owners can't train them properly to recall them when needed.

Grawns - thanks We're going to use another area when the rangers are about - at the end of the day it's their word against ours and I won't risk anything happening to my dogs because they want a bit of revenge.

Arcadian, it could be the same guy (did he have a thick black moustache?), although in the past 3 years I've never actually found a friendly ranger there, for a long time now our nickname for them has been "Bully Boys" - this just reinforces my opinion of them.

Lightening, I so agree with you. One night during the dark winter nights we were parked just outside the car park to the Pope's Cross, I must admit I didn't think it was the best place to park but my hubby said we weren't blocking anything so we stayed there. We stayed fairly close to the car and let the dogs run around the field there, next thing I hear someone shouting something, I started walking over shouting "Is there a problem" and the ever so polite ranger shouts back "get this f***ing car moved". Nice! So my hubby stopped me and said he'd go, when he got over to the ranger he was furious at the guy speaking to me like that and asked what his problem was - foul mouthed ranger turned into a complete pussy and asked him if he "wouldn't mind moving the car in case someone needed to get into the car park" - at 9pm??? The next night we saw the same guy drive past the same area and ignore the group of 4 boy racers in their cars parked in exactly the same place!

I've phoned the rangers when a group of lads were trying to chase the deer back and forth across the road into the line of traffic - I told them exactly what was going on and watched for over half an hour, but nobody came. I also phoned when a group of lads were riding their dirt bikes through the herds - again, a no show by the rangers. That's probably why they have to take their aggression out on the likes of us who cause no bother.

I know it's a bit sad, but I get so much enjoyment from helping people out when they've been locked in that car park by the Pope's Cross - I just so love robbing those 'Bully Boys' of their chance to scream at some poor unsuspecting member of the public for doing nothing worse than parking there and not leaving on time - especially seeing as, at the moment, there is no sign telling anyone what time the car park closes! What chance do tourists have?

Oooh - rant over! At least I'm armed with the correct information now in case I run into that guy now, and anyone else who is bullied by the rangers in the park will know where they stand.

Jax

lightening

Annika30 wrote: »

I think it's great! Sounds to me like the ranger did a fantastic job

:rolleyes:

NoNameRanger

I'm a Wildlife Ranger working for NPWS. The Phoenix Park Rangers work for the Office of public works. Very different jobs. In reality they are basically security guards and should be known more accurately as Park Wardens( I think they'd like to be like us:);)). But like in any other walk of life you will get a few assholes, there are also a few on our side. Thing is, don't paint them all the same just because you meet one asshole. And when you do meet one be sure to ask for ID and then you've got a name when you are reporting them for misbehaviour.

In his defence is it is very difficult for him to assess how much control you have over your dog and the temperment of your dog in relation to deer. A wolfhound is more than capable of killing a deer if it put it's mind to it. He may have thought it was a lurcher.

To be honest i don't envy him his job working in a deer park full of dog walkers everyday. When people get all precious and defensive about their dogs every time he asks somebody to put one on a lead; i could see how he would get thick skined and blunt after a while.
Think about it, everytime he requests somebody politely to put their dog on a lead for whatever reason, he is met with ":eek:who my poochy poo, he's so obedient, he loves Deer, he wouldn't harm a fly, etc,etc,etc.......................":rolleyes: Or think of the less than savoury people he must meet there every day, ":mad:What the f***s your problem bud, Tyson can do whatever he f**kin wants, I don't see any f**kin deer, f**k off!!!:mad:".
Maybe he was just after leaving one of these and came upon a woman running a giant dog in the park, everybody has those days.:D:)

The park would be a far worse place if there were no Rangers (Wardens;)) i'm sure you would agree.

andrawolf

I think dogs should be kept on a lead if walking some where that other dogs are walked, or where they could run into other animals.ie deer, sheep, cattle. You as an owner should respect that your dog my be trained but is still an animal. Plus your dog is a big dog and other people only see the size. I have huskies and walk my dogs on a lead, not only because huskies should not be let of a lead but because the first response of people is look at the wolf. I know my dog would not harm anyone but they don't. It is just respectful of other people. I got permision from my local golf club to walk my dogs on the small 9 hole course and it is unclosed and no other dogs. Huskies are great dogs and can be trained to come back but they need no other animals about them and I could not walk them of a lead where there are other animals or people.:D:D:D The warden is just doing his job and he may not have been pleasant but he is lookin out for the deer.

lightening

andrawolf wrote: »

I think dogs should be kept on a lead if walking some where that other dogs are walked

I couldn't think of a worse idea. Dogs need to socialise, sniff each other walk around each other, check each other out in the way they are designed to check each other out.

andrawolf wrote: »

I got permision from my local golf club to walk my dogs on the small 9 hole course and it is unclosed and no other dogs

Do your dogs ever meet other dogs?? How would they react if the did? I would seriously advise some socialisation with other dogs and people if its not to late.

andrawolf wrote: »

The warden is just doing his job and he may not have been pleasant but he is lookin out for the deer.

He was not doing his job, he was wrong and even worse unfamiliar with the by laws of the park he is supposed to be in charge of. The OP had every right to have her dog off the lead. And another thing, he is obliged to be pleasant.

andrawolf

Yes my dogs do meet other dogs all the time and they can do that on a lead. Plus they are show dogs so they need to be socalised. As for the warden its is in her right to give of about the warden being ilmannered. But the aniamls that live in the park are his reponsablity.

Shelli

andrawolf wrote: »

Yes my dogs do meet other dogs all the time and they can do that on a lead. Plus they are show dogs so they need to be socalised. As for the warden its is in her right to give of about the warden being ilmannered. But the aniamls that live in the park are his reponsablity.

The warden only has the right to "do his job" within the by-laws of the park, and as such he should know these.

And if you read the OP there were no deer around at the time.

lightening

andrawolf wrote: »

But the aniamls that live in the park are his reponsablity.

Read the OP's second post again.

arybvtcw0eolkf

Weldone OP, a victory for the little guy.

JaxMax

Thanks for your support everyone, well almost everyone!

I just typed a huge reply when the cat hit my keyboard and everything disappeared, so I'll start again!

Andrawolf - dogs are allowed off the lead in Phoenix Park as long as they are under control, this is why I go there so my dogs can have a nice run and stretch their legs - they are under my control the whole time and I am not breaking any bye laws. I pity any dog that doesn't get the basic requirement of being allowed to have a regular run, what a miserable life they must lead. I can't understand how anyone who loves dogs would wish this on them. Not all of us who own dogs are blessed with large gardens or able to get permission from the local golf course (how awfully nice for you) to have a lovely private walking area so places like Phoenix Park are a godsend for us. The Warden wasn't doing his job as I wasn't in the wrong - he was. Apart from anything, the deer were nowhere in sight on that day, they were probably in hiding because they had been culling them the previous day!

NoNameRanger - 'Park Warden' - LMAO, if only I had the nerve to call them that next time! I understand it might not be a great job at times but that doesn't excuse his attitude. I think he was more than a little pee'd off because he'd been driving around the field trying to find the owner of the last car in the car park (even though it was well before closing time), he then raced across the grass in his little 4x4 (mine's bigger than his LOL!) with his little flashing light, in order to bully me into putting the dogs on the lead but they already were by the time he reached me. His first words were "It's a bit late now but you should have that Wolfhound on the lead at all times - this is a deer park you know". He just continued to talk over me at that point and wouldn't listen to a word I said.

You know, I've never met a friendly Park Warden in Phoenix Park, I'm sure there must be the exception, but every one of them I have encountered has been as miserable as sin. I used to smile and say hello when walking past them in the car park only to be ignored by them - how rude! I don't bother these days.

I also almost busted a gut one day running back to the car park when they were trying to close it half an hour early - this was when there used to be a sign saying what time it closed. I got the dogs in and drove up to the gate where they were waiting and I apologised (although I wasn't in the wrong) for keeping them waiting, one of them grumbled something nasty to me so I told him that really, it wasn't my fault as there was still another 20 mintes left before the advertised closing time and he got really nasty shouting at me that they could close the car park when they wanted to and I was lucky my car wasn't locked in this time! The bloody nerve!

I also believe they pick and choose who they 'tell off' and who they don't. As I mentioned before, I've phoned them a number of times to report people acting stupidly and dangerously with the deer and have watched to see if they turn up - and whenever it's been a group of 'youths' involved, they've never shown up! So they obviously only want to protect the deer as long as it's easy for them to do so.

Thinking about it, in 3 years of visiting Phoenix Park near enough every day, I have only ever seen one person allow his dog to bother the deer, most dog walkers have very well behaved dogs either off or on the lead.

I have seen far more humans causing them bother, parents for one, thinking that it's great fun to let their unruly children run at the herd, scattering them and continuing to do so until it's time for them to go home. I wonder if they'd continue if the Park Wardens were allowed to shoot their brats too?

But also groups of youths, driving their dirt bikes at the herd, throwing bottles at them, chasing them across the road in front of traffic, but nothing is ever done about this.

I think next time I see something 'untoward' happening with the deer I'll tell the Park Wardens that it's a little old lady causing trouble, they'll be out like a shot, then actually film them when they start backing off when they find out it's a group of youths
instead!

Jax

NoNameRanger

Sounds like shocking behaviour. It should certainly be reported. Anybody can have an off day but this seems like total disrespect for the public. It should not be tolerated. It would best if you had the names of the ones that have been abusive. You could then comment on their attitude in general after that. It looks like they have become bitter and twisted after years of dealing with scum and need to be reminded that they can't treat the general public with such disregard. Your complaint should be in writing. It would be a good idea to write a letter to the local TD in oposition, nothing like a parlimentry question to concentrate the mind:D.

As for dogs and weather they should be on a lead or not. It's a tough one. I know of people that have had their pets killed while taking them for a walk by other larger dogs. Alot of people are afraid of dogs or at the least very nervous of them, especially large dogs. Personally i can't stand the sight of a pitbull, rothweiler or alsatian running loose in public, i don't trust them, i would not have my childeren playing in an area where they were running loose and i wouldn't stay long myself either and i love dogs.
A big dog can hurt childeren simply by running into them and can also scare them witless, putting them off dogs for life.
I know wolf hounds are as placid as you can get, but not everybody else sees them that way and i believe out of consideration for the other users of an area they should be visably controlled.
It's a foolish person that puts 100% trust in an animal. How many babies have been killed by family pets. Dogs have killed over 300 people in the US in the last 20 years. Sharks killed 11 people in the same period. One is a maneater the other is mans best friend.

JaxMax

NoNameRanger, I agree with (almost) everything you say, I don't like to see strange dogs running towards me either, whatever their size (especially JRT's - I have been bitten by every single one I have come across, including my mum's!), and most people I have come across in Phoenix Park will not let their dogs do so. But there's always the exception and unfortunately it's these people who give responsible dog owners a bad name. I mentioned earlier that I have had two of my previous dogs (one a 6 month puppy and one a fully grown GSD) very badly attacked by loose dogs in the past, my dogs were on the lead at the time (two separate incidents) so I really do understand how others might feel about dogs being allowed to run free - but all dogs and dog owners should not be 'tarred with the same brush'. As soon as I see someone, either alone or with a dog, coming in my direction I always grab my two, mainly to reassure the other person. I like to think I act responsibly, and it's because of this I was so outraged at the 'Park Warden' the other day.

I wish I had taken note of all the 'attitude incidents' in the past, I will do in future and make sure it is reported in writing. Not so long ago I saw some poor girl in tears at the b*****ing she was getting from the 'Park Wardens' for coming back to her car after they had locked up, they really do seem to be on some kind of power trip. And it's so disappointing too, when I lived in the UK I had a great working relationship with the local (proper) Rangers and they were never anything but polite and friendly to everyone they came in contact with (except the scummers of course who they 'saw off' regularly!), what a shame these other guys aren't as well.

Jax

Shelli

Im tempted to go and park in this car park you speak of, just let them try it with me......in fact we should all meet up there one evening and park in the car park and all let our dogs off together...wonder how they'd handle that!!!

GA361

That's a discrace.You are right,he was just trying to intimidate you.You did the right thing by complaining.Next time you see him ,you should make a big deal of how he was wrong and see how he reacts.

arybvtcw0eolkf

Shelli wrote: »

Im tempted to go and park in this car park you speak of, just let them try it with me......in fact we should all meet up there one evening and park in the car park and all let our dogs off together...wonder how they'd handle that!!!

The seed's of an excellent idea!!...

A boards.ie WALKIE'S in the park some day!..

I'd be up for it.

padi89

NoNameRanger wrote: »

Dogs have killed over 300 people in the US in the last 20 years. Sharks killed 11 people in the same period. One is a maneater the other is mans best friend.

Ah come on NoNameRanger That has to be one of the worst analogies i have ever read in my life.

lightening

padi89 wrote: »

Ah come on NoNameRanger That has to be one of the worst analogies i have ever read in my life.

+ 1.... We don't all have sharks in our houses acting like part of the family in fairness.

NoNameRanger

NoNameRanger wrote: »

A big dog can hurt childeren simply by running into them and can also scare them witless, putting them off dogs for life.
I know wolf hounds are as placid as you can get, but not everybody else sees them that way and i believe out of consideration for the other users of an area they should be visably controlled.
It's a foolish person that puts 100% trust in an animal. How many babies have been killed by family pets. Dogs have killed over 300 people in the US in the last 20 years. Sharks killed 11 people in the same period. One is a maneater the other is mans best friend.

lightening wrote: »

+ 1.... We don't all have sharks in our houses acting like part of the family in fairness.

In fairness most of the baddies homes that James Bond visited had a pool of sharks:D:D:p.

Dog lovers seem to have difficulty at times with people being afraid of their dogs and consider them to be irrational. Everybody that lets their dog off in the park thinks they have control and their dog is fine, yet dogs are attacked and people are bitten everyday of the week. It's a case of perception and how one person percieves a dangerous situation or risk can be completely different to another.

padi89 wrote: »

Ah come on NoNameRanger That has to be one of the worst analogies i have ever read in my life.

I was thinking to myself about the Dogs title as Mans best friend and how we are all expected to tolerate them and frowned on for fearing them or disliking them. I love dogs but i know people who are terrified of them.
Then i thought what is the most feared animal globally and I thought of the shark, in particular Jaws!
I was curious as to how rational we are for fearing sharks compared to our love for dogs according to the fatality statistics.
Thing is we are much more likely to be killed by a dog than a shark, if you were to look at non fatal bites only, you would never walk in a park again. You'd go for a swim instead.
We have all been conditioned to fear sharks, it is acceptable to fear them. Yet we are expected to tolerate dogs running amonst us in public parks.
Just an observation!:)

Its hardly the very worst analogy you've ever read.:(:D How about Dogs V's Mice in rational fear factor analogy?:)

Know i'd rather be in a room full of mice than a room full of Pitbulls. But there are people that would rather chance the Pitbulls, how mad is that?:eek::D At least if the mice decided to eat me, i know i'd probably be able to take some of the little bast*rds with me.:p

EGAR

It is somewhat strange to compare domestic with wild animals not to mention mammals with fish . I am more afraid of rogue hunters in my local forests then either of the aforementioned critters

EGAR

And have a look at THAT!


And I quote:

Cause/Circumstance- Shooter heard and saw what he thought was a turkey in front of him. He shot once and heard his friend yell. Victim was at a distance of 46 yards. Both dressed in cam.

Dangerous dogs and shark indeed...

padi89

NoNameRanger wrote: »

In fairness most of the baddies homes that James Bond visited had a pool of sharks:D:D:p.

Dog lovers seem to have difficulty at times with people being afraid of their dogs and consider them to be irrational. Everybody that lets their dog off in the park thinks they have control and their dog is fine, yet dogs are attacked and people are bitten everyday of the week. It's a case of perception and how one person percieves a dangerous situation or risk can be completely different to another.



I was thinking to myself about the Dogs title as Mans best friend and how we are all expected to tolerate them and frowned on for fearing them or disliking them. I love dogs but i know people who are terrified of them.
Then i thought what is the most feared animal globally and I thought of the shark, in particular Jaws!
I was curious as to how rational we are for fearing sharks compared to our love for dogs according to the fatality statistics.
Thing is we are much more likely to be killed by a dog than a shark, if you were to look at non fatal bites only, you would never walk in a park again. You'd go for a swim instead.
We have all been conditioned to fear sharks, it is acceptable to fear them. Yet we are expected to tolerate dogs running amonst us in public parks.
Just an observation!:)

Its hardly the very worst analogy you've ever read.:(:D How about Dogs V's Mice in rational fear factor analogy?:)

Know i'd rather be in a room full of mice than a room full of Pitbulls. But there are people that would rather chance the Pitbulls, how mad is that?:eek::D At least if the mice decided to eat me, i know i'd probably be able to take some of the little bast*rds with me.:p

Your explanation clears up things a bit better as to what you were saying but as you said "I was thinking to myself".Although i can see what you are trying to get at, the analogy is still completely pointless.The ratio of dog to human interaction with that of human to shark interaction in the US on an annual basis is no comparison.How many states in the US are landlocked and if not so how many actually harbor possible man eating sharks?Im gonna take a wild guess(correct me if im wrong) but i would say most of these would be around
Northern California or Hawaii region maybe some in the south east states. I say "man eating" with haste as its well documented that majority fatal/non fatal shark attacks are a case of mistaken identity.Now without putting the media,old wives tales and Hollywood hype into the equation, how different would the statistics be if we had Zambezi's,Tigers and Great Whites knocking around the parks compared with dogs?;)

NoNameRanger

EGAR wrote: »

It is somewhat strange to compare domestic with wild animals not to mention mammals with fish . I am more afraid of rogue hunters in my local forests then either of the aforementioned critters

Me thinks you really have issues with hunters. Yes EGAR we know about your experience in the forest, there was quite a long thread about it. Are you trying to ressurect that again?

Alot of people that work with animals allow their emotions to affect their judgement and are sometimes not capable of looking at things subjectively. You didn't even try to understand what i am talking about.
I guess you saw my name and associated me with The Hunters. You saw i was commenting on dogs and especially Pitbulls which you seem to defend with great passion and you developed a sort of Red mist. To you i am the enemy i guess??

What you missed is that i was talking about being considerate to people who fear strange dogs running loose and how dog lovers don't always take those fears into consideration and i believe people need to be more aware in this respect.

What you also seem to miss is that i am also a professional working fulltime towards protecting animals and their habitats. I am here on this forum on my own time to try to raise awareness and answer questions people may have. I'm not here to set people against eachother or to promote any sort of propaganda.

Are you that woman from Galway that was filmed in a short series rescuing animals?

You should also note the quote below.

Bond-007 wrote: »

Getting annoyed with posts like this - talking about killing animals be they pets or wild animals will NOT be permitted on this forum - if you must discuss killing head on down to the hunting forum.

All post with killing refrences have been removed - anymore & I get the ban hammer out.

Also I will not permit discussion on here about weapons & how affective they against animals - again HUNTING FORUM/SHOOTING FORUM not here.

padi89 wrote: »

Your explanation clears up things a bit better as to what you were saying but as you said "I was thinking to myself".Although i can see what you are trying to get at, the analogy is still completely pointless.The ratio of dog to human interaction with that of human to shark interaction in the US on an annual basis is no comparison.How many states in the US are landlocked and if not so how many actually harbor possible man eating sharks?Im gonna take a wild guess(correct me if im wrong) but i would say most of these would be around
Northern California or Hawaii region maybe some in the south east states. I say "man eating" with haste as its well documented that majority fatal/non fatal shark attacks are a case of mistaken identity.Now without putting the media,old wives tales and Hollywood hype into the equation, how different would the statistics be if we had Zambezi's,Tigers and Great Whites knocking around the parks compared with dogs?;)

Alright alright, stop analyising it for god sake, i did'nt say it was a scientific paper:), forget the bloody Sharks!:):):) How'd ya like the mice then?:) But ya get what i'm sayin right?

JaxMax

NoNameRanger wrote: »

Alright alright, stop analyising it for god sake, i did'nt say it was a scientific paper:), forget the bloody Sharks!:):):) How'd ya like the mice then?:) But ya get what i'm sayin right?

Aw no, I've been LMAO at the sharks thing and was about to comment but Padi89 beat me to what I was going to say! Sod it, I'm gonna say it anyway! For any kind of comparison between shark and dog attacks you would have to have the same ratio of people coming into contact with the same amount of sharks as dogs and on a daily basis - as we live on land that's never going to happen.

I don't want this thread to become a war between dog walkers and non dog walkers, I agree totally that if your dog is loose you should be in control of it, us responsible dog owners are but it's the irresponsible lot that aren't - and it's them that should be targeted by the Park Wardens (still LOL at that) and not the 'easy prey' dog owners who look like they won't fight back.

I started this thread because I wasn't sure if the Park Warden who did his best to bully me, was in the right or not, or if I was breaking any Bye Laws of the park, turns out he wasn't and neither was I. Had he said something along the lines of "would you mind making sure your dog is on the lead when the deer are around" (which I've already said, they weren't) then I would have politely agreed and thought no more of it. But he didn't, I've come up against better bullies than him in the past (ok, I might not have won every time but I survived! ) and I refuse to be pushed around by a power crazy little man who doesn't know what he's talking about.

Hopefully, if people who use the park on a regular basis read this then they will be a little more aware of their rights and not be intimidated by the PW's just because they have a flashing light on the top of their car! I am by no means saying that people should be allowed to let their dogs run wild und uncontrollably in public, and I think anyone reading this will know that, but dog walkers in the park have rights too! Sort out the bad ones and leave us good guys alone!

Jax

NoNameRanger

I am a feckin dog walker, I'm just aware that my big dog scares the sh1t out of alot of people if i let him run up to them or near them, he's harmless, but how would they know. Dog walkers often dismiss this fear and consider these people to be irrational. A fear of dogs is not irrational, compared to some fears people may have, e.g. sharks and mice! People have a right to walk in public parks, dogs don't! People rights should come before animal rights!