I was attacked by another woman this morning

[sweetmama11]

I'm not sure if this is the right place for this, but let me know what you guys think. I was attacked by another woman this morning when I was out walking my dogs.

Here's what happened:

A few weeks ago when I was walking my dogs, I met an old man who had three dogs. One was on the lead and the two other ones, small terrier type dogs I think, were off lead and one tried to attack my dog. I shouted at it and managed to get my dogs away. I said to the man that he had a vicious dog and it should be on the lead. He ignored me and carried on.

Since this event I've seen the same man walking his dogs a few times, with his wife I believe, and I've always tried to avoid them. Today however, they were all walking behind me. At one point his dog came over to mine (the vicious one) and we all got into an argument. His wife started shouting at me, and saying that I had apparently threatened her husband. I said back that her dogs were vicious and should be controlled. I also said that her dog had repeatedly tried to attack mine for no reason. Again, her dog comes up to mine, and starts to bite at her throat, so I shout at her dog, and then her husband comes over and starts grabbing me. I managed to push him off but then she goes mental. She starts grabbing my hair and telling me to keep away from her (?!) She really grabs my hair until I'm in a kind of headlock, and then she shoves my glasses off my face. I tell her to get off and then her husband manages to pull her off me. I tell her that I'm going to report her and she keeps telling me that she's going to report ME.

I'm not really sure what to do now. I'm shaken and embarrassed more than anything. I did not expect this old woman (50s/60s maybe) to attack me. She hasn't hurt me, although she pull some of my hair out. I don't have any other marks or bruises. I'm just shocked. Should I report her? I don't know her name or where she lives. I feel like I don't have enough evidence. She would probably just get a caution anyway. I'm not really sure what I should do next.

The worst thing about having a dog is having to deal with other people's dogs and their owners. What a psycho.

Call the police you’ve been assaulted she and her husband were the violent ones here not you

You were merely trying to keep their dog away from yours please report to police and rscp that dog needs putting down what if that had been a child disgusting behaviour there are some sick people out there

Report so it's on record and unfortunately looks like you may have to find another area to walk your dog.(NOT that you should have to) For your own safety and your dog's too.You must be feeling shaken up.

sell the dog - what?!

I would report this OP you must be so horribly shocked and upset. I know what you mean about age - you expect older people to be less aggressive and I think that is in fact statistically true so not an unfair assumption.

From what you wrote you where actually attacked by both of them.
You need to report it as it maybe a your word against theirs but if they report it and you haven’t it is going to look suspect and believe me people do attack and then report it as an extra layer of revenge and misdirection.
Recently when my sons where attacked by a woman (they where 10) they thought there where no witnesses but I actually found a fair few it’s just my sons where so focused on her they didn’t see other people around. So you might be lucky.
Hope you feel better soon.

Definitely report it! This is why I carry a walking stick when out with mine, in case of out of control dogs and aggressive owners. Take one along next time. Although I doubt I'd have had to use it; if anyone attacked me in front of my dogs, I don't fancy their chances.

Please report them BOTH! They BOTH assaulted you! Also, if you don’t report her husband, he will be used as a witness.

Please also take photos of any marks, however minor

Take no notice of the age-sensitive posters OP- 50s/ 60s is comparatively old to someone in their 20s.

As for the attack, I'm sorry you had to experience that- it must have been very frightening. I also kind of agree with a couple of previous posters- it is absolutely your right to report it if you wish, but don't be suprised if nothing comes of it, or if they make counter-allegations. Unfortunately this happens more often than not, especially if there are no witnesses or CCTV. This is from personal experience btw. Totally up to you though of course, on the other hand just reporting it might make you feel better.

Unfortunately I also agree with a PP who suggested finding a different dog walking route in future- you shouldn't have to, just because some other people are nutters, but the most important thing is that you and your dogs are safe. Taking a burly friend on your usual route might help, but he'd have to accompany you every time which might be difficult.

Anyway I hope you are feeling a bit better now. I have sent you a PM btw, no need to reply if you don't feel up to it though.

Yes definitely report, that's awful! You might not be the first person they've done this to.

It is assault and they can't control their dogs which also needs reporting.

Any dog that attacks another unprovoked is dangerous.

Protecting my daughter... I don't think anyone on here has defended the attacker? Only pointed out that they're not actually 'old'
Put the kettle on and calm down!

Ps, I'm in my 30s!

Protectingmydaughter Pointing out that 50/60 is not old is in no way defending the attackers. Not even in the slightest. In fact it is probably the opposite. I am 'no spring chicken' at age 55 but i am fairly fit and strong and could give a someone a proper battering if i wanted to (which i don't).

I am 'no spring chicken' at age 55 but i am fairly fit and strong and could give a someone a proper battering if i wanted to

Sounds like that's what happened to the OP

But I don't blame her for thinking a couple in their 50s/60s would be unlikely to physically attack someone. Statistically it's probably true.

No point telling the police you were attacked by an old woman if the woman concerned turns out to be 50!

But the OP should definitely report both people and the dog to the police.

Sorry this happened to you, I expect you will feel a bit shaken up. Yes, there are some people out there who have trouble regulating their emotions - remember, her husband pulled her off, so clearly knew she had crossed a line. Do see if you can get any advice from police, and next time you go out, have a strategy in place - for example having your phone ready and stating 'I will phone the police right now if you or your dog come near me'. And dial. Or film them. If you can recruit someone to walk with you a few times, that could help you. I doubt she will go for you again, however the dog still poses a risk to you and your dog, so that may be an issue to consider.

And you’re defending the attacker???? Wow. Britain in a nutshell

No-one is defending the attacker, but I think we've all learned a valuable lesson - don't let leathery, wrinkled skin and grey hair lull you into a false sense of security. They might be fitter and nastier than you think.

Anything happened yesterday OP?