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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To report this dog owner?

18 replies

Greyhound · 05/06/2014 16:58

Back story - I work as a dog walker. A while back, my dogs and I were chased and harassed by two very aggressive dogs. I recognised them as dogs that had previously been in trouble - they had killed at least two cats, one dog and severely injured several others. The owners had been told to keep them muzzled and on the leash at all times.

I was extremely frightened. When the owner finally came get them and I complained, he gave me such a mouthful of verbal abuse (the dogs were still jumping up at me at this point) that I called the police who, again, insisted that the dogs were muzzled and kept under control.

Since then, I have seen these dogs being walked many times - always without a muzzle and off the leash. Several neighbours have reported the couple to the dog warden / police but nothing has changed.

Today, the dogs came up to me again whilst I was walking my dogs. They weren't overly aggressive, but were sniffing my dogs and wouldn't go away. The owner's wife came out and insisted that the dogs were 'friendly'. I didn't want to get into an argument, but I asked her to put them on the leash, which she did.

Should I report her yet again? If something happened to one of my client's dogs, even if it were not my fault, I would never forgive myself.

OP posts:
WorraLiberty · 05/06/2014 17:05

Christ, I'd be inclined to go to your local newspaper or something.

YANBU at all

FreeSpirit89 · 05/06/2014 17:10

I'm an animal lover.

I would contact the dog warden and police again, and remind them it's only a matter of time before it's a person/child that's bitten and there failure to act will be brought the light.

But I'm a cow!

DizzyKipper · 05/06/2014 17:15

I agree with FreeSpirit. I'm an animal lover as well and as much as it would upset me to think that my complaining could lead to these dogs being put to sleep, ultimately it's about the safety and welfare of everyone else. They're a danger, they could at some point cause serious injuries and even death.

Nanny0gg · 05/06/2014 17:21

Ring your local dog warden. They should take you seriously.

Thurlow · 05/06/2014 17:23

Yes, report them. The dogs have proved that they have the potential to be dangerous, they should be muzzled and leashed.

sparechange · 05/06/2014 17:28

Of course you should report them. I can't fathom any reason you wouldn't! They aren't remotely under control and it is a matter of when (not if) they attack another dog or person.

Feckless dog owners give responsible ones a bad name. It is in no ones interest to have them out and out of control

ADishBestEatenCold · 05/06/2014 17:31

Are these dogs habitually exercised in a specific area, or do you see them throughout your town/district?

The reason I ask is because, if they are habitually exercised in a specific area, would it be possible for you to exercise your clients dogs somewhere else? At least for the time being.

It is absolutely awful that these animals, which are known to be dangerous, are unmuzzled and out of control in this way and that is in no way your fault or responsibility.
However, having now encountered them twice, while you have had your clients dogs with you, I do think it is now your responsibility to do absolutely everything within your power to avoid another encounter ... one which, by the sounds of it, could have tragic consequences.

Is it possible for you to exercise elsewhere for now? Obviously you would still probably want to follow up with the police/dog warden to make sure something is done.

MintyChops · 05/06/2014 17:46

YANBU, report every time you see these dogs unmuzzled or off the lead....

SpicyPear · 05/06/2014 18:02

Yes report.

Are you in the England? Is there a court order in place to require them to be muzzled and on a lead, or have they just been advised to do this by the dog warden and police?

bochead · 05/06/2014 19:38

report - i can't see the difference between this and walking around with a loaded gun without the safety catch. You'd never forgive yourself for not reporting it if you were to read one of "those" media reports in next week's rag.

p.s I am dog owner, who also loves my sprog and elderly Mum.

Billygoats · 05/06/2014 19:42

Why are you even asking if you should report them?

Of course you should! You could end up seriously hurt. And I'm a dog lover but dangerous dogs should not be in public.

mrsmopps · 05/06/2014 19:49

Another one here saying you have to report them.

Staywithme · 05/06/2014 19:58

I agree that you should report them and also inform the person that you're reporting to that you will go to the papers if nothing is done. Go to your local politician too.

How ever I also agree with the poster who stated that you should be walking your dogs in a different area if possible as you have a responsibility to them. I also walk dogs and know that if one of my dogs was attacked, and I was knowingly putting them at risk, it wouldn't be long before my name was mud amongst dog owners. People won't be interested in hearing how it wasn't your fault, they'll just be aware that a dog was hurt in your care.

CaptChaos · 05/06/2014 20:03

Of course you should report, and follow up your report. I'd also tell whoever you report it to that you will not let this lie.

I say this as a lifelong dog owner.

It isn't even the aggressive dogs' fault either, the owners are stupid and irresponsible and should not be allowed to have dogs.

Staywithme · 05/06/2014 20:10

It isn't even the aggressive dogs' fault either, the owners are stupid and irresponsible and should not be allowed to have dogs.

Agree. Poor dogs will probably get put down because their owners are irresponsible prats. Sad

Greyhound · 05/06/2014 20:59

Thanks guys :) I will report the owners.

OP posts:
MissMarplesBloomers · 05/06/2014 21:32

I'm a dog owner,fosterer & dogwalker, these sort of owners make my blood boil.

Yes its the owners fault for not dealing with ( & possibly encouraging) aggression.

It could be a child next time, & as awful as you would feel if it was one of your canine mindees, imagine if it were a young neighbour.

YAsosososoNBU

phantomnamechanger · 05/06/2014 22:14

report them, no question about it

how any of the high profile cases involved dangerous aggressive dogs that family, friends and neighbours knew about but everyone turned a blind eye and hoped that tragedy would never strike close to home

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