My dog was attacked today

[boozybears]

Today I while walking my dog Chelsea (cocker spaniel/poodle cross) she was attacked by a pitbull crossbreed dog. The pitbull somehow slipped out of his chokechain and lunged at her.. trying to bite while I was frantically trying to pull her away. Several people were in the area and came running to assist. It was one of the most horrible experience of my life. I still can't get the sounds of her yelping out of my mind. The owner's mother (a 50'ish year old woman) finally dove and full body-tackled the dog to get him off of Chelsea. In the end he never did puncture her skin, however she is very tender to the touch on one back leg and her side.

As it's a holiday no vets were open, however I did call the emergency animal hospital who suggested that we just closely observe her for changes in her behaviour, eating etc. So far she is walking and eating as normal. She's a little skittish and is sticking by me a little closer than usual, but that is to be expected.

My question is now, what do we do next? Given the current climate here in my province a report like this may result in the dog being put down. In a few months it will become law that all pitbulls be muzzled when out in public so at least I know that will happen, however I am also concerned about the next time our dogs meet. We both live in the same complex so chances are high that we'll be out at the same time again.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!

thanks!

 

[Mr Miagi]

I would report it to the most SENSIBLE agency, not the Police. I know it sounds stupid, and im not trying to insulkt your intellegence. LOL, but its been done before. Report it too the RSPCA or whateva you call it over ther and they should follow it up.

 

[Grey Legion]

If you to live in the same complex getting her dog destroyed will do nothing for your dog, her dog or you to as owners...talk to her and ask that she leads the trend ( soon to be law ) and mussle here dog when it is out side...if she agrees and your dog is fine ( which it will be, dogs are tough ) all is well, if she telles you to beat it and mind your own business....report her and her dog, sadly the dog will lose but with it a valuble lesson will be taught to her...

you gain more with kind words, then with harsh actions...

hope it works out..

 

[Michael Roth]

hey bb...hopefully the SPCA or the Police are able to realize all dogs get their hackles up when another dog goes by...at some point or another. Case in point, our sheltie tore after a lab yesterday. *If* the guy mentioned it to anyone, I highly doubt they will come try to take our sheltie away :>

 

[boozybears]

If you to live in the same complex getting her dog destroyed will do nothing for your dog, her dog or you to as owners...talk to her and ask that she leads the trend ( soon to be law ) and mussle here dog when it is out side...if she agrees and your dog is fine ( which it will be, dogs are tough ) all is well, if she telles you to beat it and mind your own business....report her and her dog, sadly the dog will lose but with it a valuble lesson will be taught to her...

you gain more with kind words, then with harsh actions...

hope it works out..

Thanks Grey Legion! I think you're right. The mother felt soooo badly about what had happened that I believe she would be reasonable. We haven't had the opportunity to speak with the actual owner yet as she was away today. Maybe we'll try talk to her tomorrow. I really don't want to have her dog put down, as he's usually not badly behaved.

ps- Nice to see another Mississaugian

 

[xXMrBonesXx]

In a few months it will become law that all pitbulls be muzzled when out in public so at least I know that will happen

i thought that rule was already in effect

 

[boozybears]

hey bb...hopefully the SPCA or the Police are able to realize all dogs get their hackles up when another dog goes by...at some point or another. Case in point, our sheltie tore after a lab yesterday. *If* the guy mentioned it to anyone, I highly doubt they will come try to take our sheltie away :>

Yes, although with the recent banning of pitbulls there's a bloodthurst going on to destroy any that are even perceived to be dangerous. My only worry is that if he attacked so quickly today.... what if he does it again? I'd report only to have it on record in case he did it again, not to punish the owner today.

 

[boozybears]

In a few months it will become law that all pitbulls be muzzled when out in public so at least I know that will happen

i thought that rule was already in effect

So had I, but was told today by someone at the humane society that it goes into effect in either May or June.

 

[Michael Roth]

Oh I agree, report for posterity I have faith that if this is the first offence, they really ought to be in a position to do just that: make a note of it

 

[NinjaSmurf]

I'd ask about filing a report before actually filing a report, it could be risky if there is such a witchhunt out for pitbulls at the moment as they might take it way out of hand because it's a pitbull and not some other breed, even if it didn't break the skin of your dog (which I hope is feeling better). I would definetely talk to the neighbor though, because I imagine she might be worried about it. I personally wouldn't report it though, because stuff like this happens to everyone now and again, and no serious damage has come of it (thank goodness). At least she had it on a leash, this isn't one of those running loose/neglegent owner type deals.

 

[Mr Miagi]

Its sad how some breeds have a bad name. I knew a guy with one of those dogs and all they did was drewl all over my shoes....little cuties...

 

[mm_simb]

I'd report it. I think they usually just put restrictions on the owners with the dogs. Since he didn't puncture your dog or hurt any human, I highly doubt they'd put the dog to sleep. But I do think he has to be reported so that the owners can be more careful.

 

[pnyklr3]

I am glad that your little dog is feeling ok, and that you are too! I agree with talking to her about muzzling her dog, or perhaps finding out about filing a report. In my line of work, I may fill out a police report, but not file any charges so that a record of past behavior is on file.

In my neck of the woods, any pitbulls at the animal shelter are put down if the origional owner doesn't retrieve them. They are NEVER adopted out to other familes. I agree that there are some nice pitbulls, but I have met many more aggressive ones than not. On the west side of my city, pitbulls are bred and raised for dog fights. Luckily the police have cracked down on it a bit, but I have heard opinions that so much inbreeding (to get the desired aggressive traits) have caused, ahem, "mental instabilities" in the pitbulls of this area. Not sure if this is accurate, but I am not going to be the first one to find out!!!

 

[MAM]

The dog wasn't out loose, so personally, I would not report it, mostly becasue of what has been said, that up there pit bulls are not in high favor at the moment. If it had been any other dog, you could report it without worry of trouble. For now, I'd talk to the owner and ask her to please do something to be sure nothing like that happens ever again. Remind her of the law change politely and hope she takes action. As said, reporting her could very well lead to them putting the dog down as an example, despite the fact that no physical harm was actually done. This will make living where you do very strained. I know it was scary for you both, but as there was no physical harm done that you are aware of, tread carefully. Take the polite route first. If she refuses or gives you trouble, then go ahead and report it, but if she agrees to take action and be responsible for her dog, let it go.
I know in my complex there are two dogs that are highly dog aggressive, a terrier and a boxer mix. I know where they live and where they tend to walk. I avoid them, and when I see them coming, I quickly redirect before they see us. I'd rather avoid trouble in the first place.
Just my thoughts.

 

[purple_drazi]

I knew a guy with one of those dogs and all they did was drewl all over my shoes....little cuties...

ha! you thought that the dog was just slobbering all over your shoes & being cute?
Not! He was imagining how tasty you'd be and couldn't stop himself drooling at the thought!