Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!
Downhills Park - Dangerous Dogs
Our dog was attacked last night for the second time in three weeks. Different dog both times, and different owner. On both occasions the dog has been a staffie, off the lead, accompanied by a black guy. On both occasions my son, Harry, has been savaged trying to rescue our dog from the slavering chops of a dog under no control whatsoever, who barrelled in out of the darkness followed by an owner who had to administer extreme cruelty to his own dog to get it to stop. So that's two courses of antibiotics, tetanus shots, approaching £1200 in vets bills and all sorts of heartache. Harry's jacket was shredded last night; the sleeve ripped to pieces. His hands are swollen and the dog ripped a nail off one of them.
There have never been problems of this kind in the past. Our dog has been walked in Downhills park for years and it has always been safe. Firstly, has anybody else had the same experience? The West Green Safer Neighbourhoods Panel has apparently prioritised 'dogs in the park' as a local issue, so somebody must have had concerns. Can we share what's happening, maybe? We can't be the only ones.
Secondly, how do we fix it? The police are aware and we think we have a photo of one of the 'owners'. We got a really good look at the guy last night, but there's no CCTV along the lit path and at least four exits so he legged it once he realised the police were coming.
We may have 'award winning parks', which the council takes full credit for, but if we're not safe in them, what's the point of the award?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Philip on
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Unfortunately park rules 'dogs should be kept under control' omits the clarifying phrase, 'on a lead' which would make the situation clear. Dogs not on a lead, are, by definition, not under control. It seems to me that this dreadful situation can only be addressed by this obligation on owners. I would not object to a dog run in, say Lordship rec but I'm afraid only the 'big brother' option of obligatory chipping of dogs and making owners take lessons and force them to leash dogs in public will sort it. What a dreadful experience for your family who should be free to walk our parks in safety and confidence.
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Permalink Reply by Edel B on
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I'm so sorry - that's horrendous. I hope your son is okay now. I think there is a lot of wilful denial going on about just how dangerous these dogs can be. I don't feel safe passing them when I'm out for a run, and the recent "Staffies are cuddly, honest" campaign did nothing to reduce my fear of them. I like dogs in general, and we had an adorable Dobermann when I was growing up, but big dogs are territorial and they need space and they just don't have enough space in a built-up area. Big dogs also need to be trained and controlled and in many cases, that's clearly lacking. I agree that dogs should be chipped and they should be licenced, and their owners should be legally answerable for any consequences if they are out of control.
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Permalink Reply by tulips on
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How scary for you all, you have my sympathy. Staffies are lovely dogs, it is the owners who are to blame. Maybe the police, neighbourhood panel and contacting your local councillor are the best options - to increase CCTV and come up with ideas to deal with the issue.
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This is a poorly judged and inflammatory statement, but one with which I confess to agreeing.....
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inflammatory statements like this are unnecessary and ignorant , any dog unsocialised will be aggresive to other dogs. staffs or not. it is people that need dealing with, they cause problems, I have been on receiving end of two staffs nearly killing our puppy but as experienced dog owner I know that was what these dogs were encouraged to do, attacking. police have no time for this but if a person gets bitten, like this lady's son, then police must act. I am sorry for this horrible experience as I remember how uneasy I used to feel foe moths b4 i could relax and enjoy walking dogs again without looking around me. I always look at the owner before I judge the dog and when you can't see the owner than something is wrong. I hope this nightmare ends soon.
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Also these sorts of initiatives are good - where a local animal rescue centre, council and housing association work together to address the problem of irresponsible dog ownership - this is an example scheme which runs in Brent - to deal with the the source of the problem.
http://themayhew.org/communityprojects/leads/
A local animal welfare officer at a rescue charity may offer advice as this is a common problem.
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Permalink Reply by pamish on
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I think someone has hacked their website. In the special sidebar about Staffies, this is the intro:
The Staffordshire Bull Terrier (also known as Staffie, Stafford, Staffy or Staff) is a dog with a smile you can drive a truck through and a heart that forever craves human companionship. Their enthusiasm for life and huge capacity for love makes them a wonderful dog for the family, and their active need for fun helps them to share a special bond with children. This is one of the main reasons Staffies are such a success with children, because they are as hardy and fun-loving, and fearless, as the children themselves are! This is also recognised by the UK kennel club, as the Stafford being one of only two dog breeds from over 190 that have a mention of the breed’s suitability with children and family members, which makes it a foremost all-purpose dog.staffie in If an owner provides their Staffie with proper training -as all responsible dog owners should – in addition to a good diet and a special place within the family then you couldn’t ask for a more loyal and affectionate pet. Shower a Staffie with affection and you’ll have a four-legged shadow, desperate to please you and always ready for a cuddle. It has been said that “no breed is more loving with its family” and our kennel staff and Staffie foster carers are more than happy to give testament to that fact!
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I hope Julie you are able to identify the owner and report him to the police (and to the RSPCA as you also saw the owner being cruel to his dog). Owners like this should not have dogs as they don't know how to look after a dog properly.
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People who have an affection for certain are understandably defensive, but its important to remember that all dogs are bred to have certain characteristics and so some are gentle by nature and some are potentially killers. Personally I have been bitten by a collie and attacked(though not bitten) by an Afghan. I really don't care if a little cranky Yorkie has go but Rottweilers, Staffs, and Doberman scare the bejaysus out of me.
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Permalink Reply by John McMullan on
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A google search for "Jack Russell Baby" always turns up some interesting hits...
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Permalink Reply by HarringayBirder on
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We're not safe in them because they are not patrolled. The police never go in the park (unless someone is stabbed) and we have no park keepers because they have been cut, presumably in the name of "efficiency savings". No-one in government cares about your dog, I'm afraid. I hope the dog and your son will be alright.
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Permalink Reply by byl999 on
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My solution to this is simple, i walk my young dog very early (anytime between 7-9am) up at Downhills because these irresponsible owners are still lazing in bed at this time. We were minding our own business and an off leash staffi ran a distance to attack him. My young pup was attacked by the black staffy and the owner had walked on way too far (actually had left the park thinking his dog followed him!!) to hear my screams, not even aware what was happening! But he does not fit the description of the man you describe. This owner was more of turkish or east-europe origins with virtually no English, aged around 23-29.
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