Dangerous Dogs Owners

John_Rambo

Traditional big Mastiff style dogs, German Shepards, Dobermann Pinchers, Rothweilers etc... were usually owned by dog people. People that understood dogs, trained them, socialised them, exercised them, had them well balanced.

These big over muscled Bullies, Presa Canarios, Dogo Argintinos etc.. are being bought and owned by people that can't raise their own children. Young boys and manchildren with fragile egos that are that weak they need a dangerous dog at their side.

dunnerc

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119935089#Comment_119935089

I,ll never understand why some people dont keep dogs as pets ,not all people have children , walking a dog in the morning/evening is good for exercise and its obviously not always cold , as for the bag of shite jesus wept .

josip

The poor poor kid, had his whole life in front of him, all those hopes. I haven't seen the pictures, don't want to either, bad enough listening to his brother on rte describe the damage.

https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2022/1129/1338947-dog-attack/

Juran

I am a dog owner (small rescue terrier mix) and lover of dogs in general. But I admit, I always wonder why people keep german shepards, husky, large akitas and pitbulls. I wont lie that I'm not nervous if I pass one with my little muttie. I see the owners of these large dogs and they always looked stressed, put huge energy trying to control them on a lead, tend to have to walk them away from people and dogs, which in turns causes these dogs to be unsocial. The owners never look like they are enjoying their doggie walk, the way the rest of dog owners do.

Forget reporting potential dangerous dogs to the gardai. They'll tell you to call the warden, who tells you he can only call to the house with the support of the gardai.

But report your neighbor to the gardai for not having tax on their car, and you'll see a squad arriving in under 10mins, blue lights flashing and all !

JPup

I’d be in favour of a ban on pitbulls. People cant keep wolves or large cats as pets, and pitbulls are similar. Just an inherently dangerous breed.

if you want a pet dog, there are hundreds of other breeds available that are more appropriate.

Tazzimus

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119935661#Comment_119935661

Lol. what a load of shite.

We have a Doberman that'd put the Duracell bunny to shame; no stress on walks, she's trained on a lead so no energy wasted trying to control her, she ignores people, also ignores the little yappy **** that always go for her while the owners laugh thinking it's funny. We come across large dog owners all the time and it's all wagging tails and excitement.

The only part of the walks I don't enjoy is the length of them, due to her being much fitter than I am, but I'm getting there.

Not all large dog owners are window lickers that don't train their dogs, unlike most little dog owners it seems.

somewhere45

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119935677#Comment_119935677

Contact you local TDs. With enough pressure this can be pushed through.

https://www.shashankchakerwarti.ie/post/how-to-write-to-your-local-td

Find them here. https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/tds/

Ninthlife

Had an issue previously with a X breed pitbull being let loose to wander a public area and green where kids would play. Rang the Gardai who said it wasn't their job to deal with it and I should call the Dog Warden.

Rang the Dog Warden (Kildare) and they are only available between 10am - 1pm. Rang the Gardai back who again refused to act, citing that the remit was with the dog warden. I explained that this was a matter of public safety and they should at least approach the owner and instruct them to gain control of their dog. The Garda in question conceded slightly and promised to make contact with the dog warden and also send a car. Next day I contacted the dog warden who explained the difficulties in taking a dog and having to prove the breed is that of one on the dangerous dog list possibly in a court setting etc.

He also stated that he has 5 (I think) kennels in total and sure if I could possibly hold the dog in my garden he could collect it over the coming days once space is free, if the owner claimed it from the kennels he could fine the owner if its not chipped etc.

The control of dogs act isn't administered like alot of laws and it takes incidents like this to happen before those who are in a position to act do so.

FintanMcluskey

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119934196#Comment_119934196

The problem is that a significant majority of people are completely oblivious of the capabilites of a dog.

All dogs are dangerous around children, anyone that says otherwise shouldn't have a dog

blanch152

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119935661#Comment_119935661

As a small dog owner, I would agree with you on this.

With a relatively large urban garden, plenty of space for my dog to exercise, as well as the two daily walks. However, I cannot understand how any large breed is allowed in urban areas, nearly all owners will not have gardens or time to exercise them properly, leading to behavioural problems.

As for the pitbulls, we know why most of them are kept.

FintanMcluskey

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119935743#Comment_119935743

Who is stronger, you or the Doberman?

endacl

How many people keep a collie as an expression of their own aggression?

zedhead

No dog should be allowed to wander loose like that dog was unsupervised. Regardless of breed. I see it in my area, there are a few small dogs that seem to be let out the front to relieve themselves and i would imagine in lieu of a walk (or so they dont foul the back gardens). The dogs themselves appear to be friendly enough, but they are all unpredictable and without someone supervising a child/person could provoke these dogs into attacking. They may not have the capability to kill like a bull breed, but its still not ok.

Heartbreaking for the family, this should never happened and the owner of the dog should be punished severely. I wouldnt go as far as favouring a ban of these types of dogs, but there should definitely be more in terms of who is allowed to keep dogs in general and in particular these types of breeds. You should not just be able to rock up to a breeder and take one home.

Our small terrier is never allowed off the lead, and if anyone approaches while we are walking I will put myself in between my dog and the person and tell them he does not like strangers. If there are children in my house they are never unsupervised with the dog and there is always at least one person between the dog and any child under 4 at all times. Now he has snapped in the past (rescue dog and snapping at a toddler was the reason given for rehoming), but I think even if that wasnt the case I would still be as cautious even if he did not have that history. You can never be too careful, all it takes is a child accidentally poking any dog in the eye or similar for it to react with a snap or a bite.

Tazzimus

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119935810#Comment_119935810

I am. Although she is quite strong as I've discovered when playing in the garden, tug of war etc.

Former Former Former

Absolutely no reason not to ban pit bulls.

However, the absolute scumbags who own them - and there is not one pit bull owner who isn't scum - will just find some other breed of killing machine instead.

Until the law is changed to allow for meaningful prosecution, i.e. jail time measured in years, then nothing will change. And even then, I doubt it will.

lmao10

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119935822#Comment_119935822

Law changes wouldn't have much of an effect. It's the mentality of dog owners that simply will never change. Children and people who get attacked are seen as collateral damage by many. I just find the whole thing nasty. People walking dogs around so they can piss everywhere just seems insane in a civilised country, not to mention the countless savage attacks that have huge impact. I think one attack on a human is one too many and some very hard legislation is warranted but you could never get that through, no matter how many kids were savagely maimed.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119935778#Comment_119935778

I’ve a small 6 kg dog- not even a terrier, a cute little thing- a cross breed- everyone that sees him thinks he’s a “dote”- and in fact he is.

BUT, every week or so, without warning, he grabs one of his doggy toys and shakes it vigorously from side to side- even though I’ve seen this happen many times I’m still taken aback- harmless mutt- absolutely - would I place him in a room on his own with a baby toddler? NEVER.

timmyntc

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119935940#Comment_119935940

Law changes to strictly enforce banned breeds in this country would go a long way

There are dog breeds that are much more dangerous than others, breeds like pitbull-terriers have no place as a pet.

yourdeadwright

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119935661#Comment_119935661

Is it just me or should German Shepard's not be listed with the others ,

GS's are extremely intelligent dogs & nothing like Pitbull's or Akitas which are/where bred for fighting,

Shepard's are just that , bred to be shepherds , companion dogs, the are service dogs, disability assistance dogs , search & rescue dogs,

I feel like because they are big they just get throw in with the other when they aren't alike at all,

As a long time GS owner , even had them when we where kids, I feel sick when i hear people group them with them other horrible breeds ,

GS's need space & your time but they are nothing like pitbulls,

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119935743#Comment_119935743

No, they’re not all mistreated, not trained mutts with donkeys for owners, but the fact is there’s nothing to stop these folks having control of these animals. That’s the issue.

I’m not sure how it works in Ireland, (ironically) but I do know in the states you can have for example “exotic” pets. Think monkeys, birds of prey, BUT you must have a permit or licence.

If you don’t have the wherewithal or in cases documentary evidence of you having very specific knowledge of looking after these animals, forget it.

But anyone who wants can have a Pit bull. Or other large and/or “dangerous” dog. The only requirements, which are scarcely enforced clearly, are they’re walked on a strong lead, by someone over 16, with a muzzle.

Until either proper enforcement of Animal Welfare Laws, Bye-Laws, Policies and rules around owning & caring for these animals, they should not be allowed to be cared for by anyone other than those who can prove as and when necessary that they have the wherewithal and/or expert knowledge as required.

You will disagree with me as the owner of an aforementioned large and/or “dangerous” dog. I say “dangerous” because I don’t think your one necessarily is. However, I don’t believe you can reliably say that were the dog to become unusually agitated & unleash an attack you would be fit to control them.

In fact I already know you can’t because you already confirmed the animal is indeed fitter, faster & stronger than you.

Do you see where that’s a problem? An animal you’re expected to be in total control of is faster than you, stronger than you & in general fitter than you. All you can depend on is the animals mood and demeanour which can change in an instant.

Of course I’m not trying to accuse or imply even that your dog will one day unleash detestation upon someone, what I’m trying to do is illustrate why these animals should not be in the control of those who are unable to control them. Like it or not that includes you as by admission you’re incapable of physical control of the dog. That means you depend solely on your orders being obeyed.

I wouldn’t like my chances were the dog to become violent.

xhomelezz

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119936114#Comment_119936114

Is it just me or should German Shepard's not be listed with the others ,

I don't get why Rhodesian Ridgebacks are on restricted breeds list.. Whatever you say about GS applies for RR too. Think Ireland is the only country in Europe where RR are restricted breed.

Overheal

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119933996#Comment_119933996

And they say the left wants infanticide, wow.

Tazzimus

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119936252#Comment_119936252

It may not have come across that way initially, but I agree with pretty much all you say here.

There should be much more stringent rules for larger dogs, actually animals in general, given some of the stories I've heard of animal cruelty etc. The reason these things usually happen is because there is not, and as you said, anyone can have one.

She is faster and fitter than me, most dogs would embarrass most humans in that regard, I am thankfully stronger so I'd have some confidence in restraining her should such an event happen, but no one can account for all scenarios.

Constant training should always be required, owner and dog, to ensure you're as prepared as can be, other people can be unpredictable though.

General education on animals for everyone wouldn't go amiss either, so kids don't go running up to strange dogs and that and potentially spook them.

Overheal

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119934392#Comment_119934392

But they didn't say?

Do they only say when it's a pit bull and fits a narrative?

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/canine-corner/200903/psychological-characteristics-owners-aggressive-dog-breeds

Overheal

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119934602#Comment_119934602

How did you come up with this figure of 5 years? What were your sentencing guidelines? 😶

xhomelezz

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119936019#Comment_119936019

BUT, every week or so, without warning, he grabs one of his doggy toys and shakes it vigorously from side to side

I would almost hazard guess, he is playing...

Horrific incident and shouldn't have been possible.

I get fed up with the entitled attitude of dog owners in Ireland. One of my older relatives was basically chased and attacked by a bounding dog on a greenway and broke her wrist quite badly and has a serious long term issue with it now as a result, and the owner didn't even vaguely apologise and seemed more concerned about his darling pooch who was "only playing" than an almost 80 year old lady.

I also have some guy who stops on my grass margin every so often and lets his dog do a large number 2 and just leaves it there. I challenged him and was more or less told to mind my own business and "he has to go somewhere".

Ireland's still the wild west when it comes to stuff like this.

Widdensushi

A man in his twenties arrested in conjunction with the attack.

Overheal

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119934708#Comment_119934708

Oh FFS

A dog is a living breathing thing, often a family member, not a manufactured weapon made of cold steel.