Warning signs for you dogs?

tk123

http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/courts/boy-in-dog-attack-described-as-a-scene-from-jaws-awarded-65k-31402284.html

It was claimed there was an alleged failure to give the boy any or any adequate warning of the fact that there was danger in the area.
There were no warning signs to identify there was a danger and Mr Murray allegedly failed to properly control a dog kept on his premises.

Just saw this on FB. €65k awarded to a kid who put his hand through a fence to retrieve a tennis ball and got bitten by an akita. Do people have warning signs if they have dogs? I don't but given the claim culture we live in now I'm wondering if I should put something on the gate for the odd time the dogs are out the front say if I'm at the car?

I'm sure I read (possibly here) that having a sign up implying (if that's the right word) that the dog is dangerous and you're at fault?

paulmclaughlin

tk123 wrote: »

I'm sure I read (possibly here) that having a sign up implying (if that's the right word) that the dog is dangerous and you're at fault?

I thought the same! You just can't win!

eviltwin

I have to admit the thought of a warning sign never would enter my head but then my dogs wouldn't be able to get near someone unless they somehow find their way into my back garden which is unlikely.

I'd never keep my dogs in the front garden because they may be aggressive and while a sign is helpful to some people its not much use when you are talking about a little kid who might wander along and decide they want to see the doggy.

tk123

paulmclaughlin wrote: »

I thought the same! You just can't win!

Second story this week - the poor traumatised parents(!) in this one..

eviltwin wrote: »

I'd never keep my dogs in the front garden because they may be aggressive and while a sign is helpful to some people its not much use when you are talking about a little kid who might wander along and decide they want to see the doggy.

Same here - they're only out the front with me if I'm getting something from the car or putting something in the bin. My mum would have them out with her if she was gardening but ties the gate closed to be safe - they'll stand up on the gate for a pet if one of their favourites is passing and Lucy has almost opened the gate a few times!

hadook

I have a 'caution dogs running free' sign on the gate. I'd worry one of mine would make the wrong decision if unattended so the gate is wired on the inside to 5' (also keeps the chooks in :-) ) and the lock is high up outside of a child's reach. They're never out if we're not home so it's paranoia on my part really.

DBB

tk123 wrote: »

I'm sure I read (possibly here) that having a sign up implying (if that's the right word) that the dog is dangerous and you're at fault?

I've heard this many times before, but I've not heard it ever being used against an owner in court... what I have heard quite a few times now, again from court reports, is the owner being penalised for not having a sign up saying there are dogs on the premises.
For pet dogs (as opposed to registered guard dogs, whose owners must display a warning sign), I wouldn't have a warning sign that suggested the dog(s) is aggressive, just that they exist.. so to me, something along the lines of what Hadook has seems to be just about right.

Springwell

Dogs running loose is a sensible wording. Beware of the dog etc are an admission the dog may be dangerous (there is precident for this in the uk.)

Tranceypoo

hadook wrote:

I have a 'caution dogs running free' sign on the gate. I'd worry one of mine would make the wrong decision if unattended so the gate is wired on the inside to 5' (also keeps the chooks in :-) ) and the lock is high up outside of a child's reach. They're never out if we're not home so it's paranoia on my part really.

I have the same sign, also have dogs at the back behind locked gates that a child couldn't reach. And they're only outside if we're home.....wait, are you my husband hadook?!

keaves

Saw this yesterday tk and thought the exact same. So I'm after ordering a 'caution dogs running free' sign ... nearly ordered 2 or 3 thinking well what if someone doesn't see the first sign could I that be held against me if something happened

hadook

Tranceypoo wrote: »

I have the same sign, also have dogs at the back behind locked gates that a child couldn't reach. And they're only outside if we're home.....wait, are you my husband hadook?!

On the internet I could be anyone (or thing!)

Glad to know I'm not the only paranoid dog owner out there though!