AIBU to report this dog?

[StormySam]

I live in a terrace row. A house a few doors down has a dog. This dog seems to be more of a guard dog (high fence with "beware of the dog" on it). Up until today I had never seen it.
I was walking down the street this morning and I suddenly saw a dog race out and started barking and jumping up at a lady. It's a large pit bull type dog. Lady was crying and trying to get away.
She managed to get to the other side of the road. I comforted her and she walked off when she had calmed down. Dog was still lose. I went into the local shop as I couldn't get past the dog to safely enter my house.
Coming back a neighbour said it had escaped from the neighbours house with the high fence and they had retrieved it.
I am not sure what to do. Dogs do escape. I've literally never seen it in before.
Would it have attacked a child or another dog? Probably yes as it was very hyped up.
It didn't bite the lady but it was very scary. AIBU to report it? The lady was telling me she had mental health difficulties and this was just one more thing that had gone wrong in her life so I don't think she would report it herself.
I feel quite scared about it escaping again now having witnessed that.

Hop on the phone to the police now; that’s what I’d do. God imagine if that was a child.

Yes, report it...

Unfortunately police say contact the dog warden and dog warden say contact the police 🤔 am just going round in circles

That poor woman, how scary.

So frustrating that both the police and dog warden have told you to speak to the other!

I don't know what to suggest in that case, is it worth going to the station in person? Squeaky wheel and all that.

She must be so shaken up especially if she is already having a tough time. I'm glad you were there to help her calm down a little afterwards.

'Dogs do escape.'

Only if they belong to irresponsible owners.

I have six, some of them at large breeds that include a huge Doberman. He's a big softy but many would be scared stiff of his appearance.

We make sure for THEIR safety that they can't escape,

Seeing as you are neighbours and they are likely to be anti social types I would send an anonymous letter saying if the dog escapes again, the police will be called.

They might not want police attention due to nefarious practices in their home.

I wouldn’t read anything into the Beware of the Dog sign, lots of people have them just to make people shut the gate or stay off their property- my parents have one and they don’t even own a dog!

The out of control dog however is an issue. I would report to the dog warden and police by online reports. I doubt theyd do anything over one incident where nobody has been hurt but it will start to form a picture if anyone reports it later down the line

If that continues contact your local councillor. It’s the sort of shit they sort out. Irrespective of the political party I’ve had results in the past. They intervene to hold the people whose job it is to account. Same with MPs but I’d start with your local councillor. A quick Google search will
tell you your Ward and Councillor if you don’t know.

That's great advice. My councillor lives on my street so he will definitely get involved

Maybe local paper too? Especially as dog warden/police unhelpful.

@StormySam - That’s lucky! 😅

Getting in touch with your councilor is a great idea, I'd also encourage the shop owner/ manager to do the same and if you know the lady / know where she lives ask her to do the same too

Ha yes. I even have his election poster in my window so that should help the cause 👍