Harassed on a walk

[MooseBreath]

I just got back from a walk on a public footpath along a field with my dog and DS (13 months). This path is in a very open area and is frequently used by dog walkers, which are rarely on a lead as they tend to run about the field together. My dog, though not on a lead, was walking to heel on the grass rather than the path.

A jogger ran towards me and when she approached, she slowed down and changed directions so that she was walking alongside me (my dog was still on the grass to heel). The woman pulled out her phone and started filming me stating that if my "dog's shitty nose so much as touched her knee that she considers that harassment and she would use any means to get him away" from her.

I stopped walking and asked her to stop filming me and said that my dog has no interest in approaching her, then carried on walking a bit quicker, with my dog still by my side.

She continued to film me and walk alongside me saying she's "sick of everyone and their bloody dogs". I asked her to please stop following me, to which she said "I can walk wherever I please". I responded repeating my request to stop filming me and leave me alone. She followed me for a further few minutes, filming the entire time as my dog did nothing. Eventually the woman turned and left in a huff.

I wanted to turn and go home, but I certainly didn't want her to know where I live. AIBU to call 101 and report? It seems silly because she didn't touch me, my baby, or my dog, but she wouldn't go away, and I was worried that my dog might so much as follow a scent and set foot on the path. I don't know if she's done anything illegal, and I don't know if police could do anything, but I know how unsafe I felt.

Definitely keep pestering the police! What about calling them in front of her and telling them a crime is in action and you’re scared for your kid’s safety as well as your own? Bodycam is a great idea, that way you can also show your dog isn’t doing anything wrong.

I take my dog out with my son in a pram and this would terrify me, I’m sorry you’re going through it. Hope it gets sorted x

I’m sure it has but it’s a bit irrelevant to the OP. She can’t get her treatment and she’s being harassed. Reporting to the police each time is still the best route.

Not really. The officer I have been speaking with only gave me his email address, then said the matter would be transfered to neighbourhood police, and now the case is apparently "closed".

OP, next time this happens call 999 not 101.

Something similar happened in my area. An elderly man, a dog walker, harrassing other dog walkers. It escalated and he struck several dogs and their owners, all women. He punched one woman to her significant injury. He was eventually charged and found guilty in court (underlying mental health issues), however I recall how scared everyone was during his campaign - I didn't walk my dog in the area for weeks. So I fully understand how and why this has affected you.

The body cam is a necessity for times where you're walking in the area. However I'd find somewhere else to walk in the interim (ie until she oversteps and gets arrested, or gets sectioned). It might feel defeatist, but it will completely remove the stress and worry.

What I said was what I said: "Be responsible and always lead your dog.".
What do you expect to happen when every day in the news there's a story about a member of the public who has been attacked by a dog that was off their lead? And there's you out in a public area with a dog not on a lead and wondering why another member of the public was worried.

It sounds horrible and I don't want to minimise how distressing this is for you but realistically the police are barely investigating burglary, theft and many assaults at the moment, due to being overstretched.

Posters telling you to just phone 999 from the field and demand the police show up have probably not had to call 999 very recently. Unless there is significant risk of immediate physical danger, then they are unlikely to show up.
A friend was aggressively mugged at knife point in a fairly genteel city recently and it took the police three days to show up to interview them.

You need to organise to get local police to prioritise. I would suggest getting a group of victims and forming a "concerned users of XX field" group. Meet with local councillors who will have contacts with local neighbourhood policing teams. There may be a local policing forum you can attend. You need to push it up their agenda.

She sounds unhinged. I would let it go. Unless you feel she could be a danger to others.

Annoying. I'd still pull out your phone, tell her you're calling the police, then when 101 answers quote your reference number and tell them she is harassing you right then.

If she is ever at all aggressive I might escalate to 999. But like most people, I'm hesitant to do that except in the most dire circumstances.

I don't like this option as it also feels nuclear, but what about posting on your local Facebook page about her?

There are no human rights to run around a field. Are you the crackpot filming OP?

Do you have any neighbourhood / community groups OP?

Things like facebook, nextdoor etc in terms of social media, or even a standard neighbourhood watch with in person meetings etc? Maybe there are even more of you than you know of. Getting yourselves together in numbers with your log references might help get things moving.

You might also be able to "buddy up" with someone to get out for dog walks and feel less vulnerable being with another adult.

Your local community policing team may also hold local public meetings people can attend and I'd be attending the next one, and inviting others to too. You can also pop into or call your local police force and ask for the contact info for your local community policing team.

Your local mp may also be able to help.

I'd personally be popping my phone on a lanyard round my neck and having it on video record for now whenever I left the house, That way if she approaches you are already recording her. Do you have a ring doorbell or cctv? Dashcam? these may help you feel less vulnerable.

Keep logging every single incident with the police.

So you intended to be callous then.
My dog did nothing. He didn't even look at her.
I have been harassed by her when my dog isn't even with me.
So I deserve that because I have a dog at home? My kids deserve to be filmed without consent, be aggressively sworn at, and followed?
It isn't a dog issue.
And if she was so scared of my placid dog who didn't go near her, why did she keep trying to stay near him and provoke his owner?

Some clearly dog hating posters are really tying themselves in knots trying to find ways to blame the OP 🙄

I adore dogs. I don't like people much.

No it isn't. I hate cats and no, I'm not remotely scared of them. One is allowed to hate stuff without drama.

FFS. Report the poster if you think it’s bullshit, but your troll hunting is boring. And not allowed.

It’s pretty much the literal definition!

You’re either a cat person, a dope, or on a wind up.

Just Google the law surrounding dogs in public places.

I'd say it's more than relevant if it's the reason it's happening. Interesting OP has completely overlooked the suggestion though.

I don’t think you can win with posters like this. They’re the online equivalent of people jumping out of bushes!

🤣 right-o.

@Hatenewyear I live in the same town, trust me it’s true. She’s terrorising half the bloody town.