Need help as non dog owner

[nomdegrrr1]

Next door but one have three pedigree English bulldogs that get out. They chased the man next door so that he had to jump over a fence to get away.

The yard the dogs are in is small and cluttered. I don't think that they get much training and I don't think that they get much walks. The gate is sometimes held together with string or propped up by wheelie bins.

I think that the dogs are sweeties by nature. And I know that their owner has their hands full. But I suspect that if they got out then they would see me as trespassing on their patch and chase me - and I am old, knackered and have iffy joints. I'd be a chew toy. I'm nervous about dogs as I was bitten on the face by a dog when I was little.

Can I ask for suggestions to deter the dogs if they get out and at me that doesn't hurt the dogs, please. I don't want to have a go at either dogs or owner, but I don't want to be a snack either. All help appreciated.

Well - no wonder people get fed up with dog owners when they are so disrespectful of others' feelings.

You absolutely shouldn't have to, but as this is clearly affecting your quality of life - do you have a bit of money to throw at the problem? Could you (and possibly other neighbours who feel similarly) club together and get a new gate from B&Q?

The landlord ought to do it, but you may consider £40-80 for a new gate to be the price of peace of mind. If you do go down this route, look for something similar to what they already have, but err on the side of sturdiness over height; English bulldogs can be little battering rams but aren't going to be jumping a 3' fence any time soon.

@Pinkypie86 I'm sorry you're hurting right now, but try not to lash out at OP. Godspeed to your little one.

Long story short, I once had cause to confiscate one of those from someone.

Turned it on out of curiosity. DDog is a nervous soul but completely ignored it - no fucks given whatsoever.

I have respected the OP. I gave them sound advice. Secure her perimeter and try to speak to the landlord/council/authorities about securing the gate.

The dogs should be taken into care if they're so out of control. Sounds like you have a case to put forward to the RSPCA / other agencies.
Like I said, the best thing you can do is give them affection and appear calm. Carry food/treats/a weapon if needs must and, it brings you comfort.

Being afraid of anything is truly terrifying - I completely understand it. However, try not to let it consume you and, speak to the relevant agencies about getting the issue sorted - if I were worried about anything being mistreated or environment they were living I would report it daily!

You can absolutely call the police on 101. It will likely be dealt with by the neighbourhood team and slightly firmer than the dog warden. It doesnt have to be in public and if you are in FEAR of being bitten, it fulfils the offence. They wont take the dogs, get the owners in trouble, itll start off with a firm word and be told to fix the gate.

Does the postman have to go past the dogs to get to the door or do they have a box?

The neighbours are stupid because they will legally be liable for any damages which can be £££ if the dogs cause a road accident or just knocking someone over rather than biting. Let alone vet fees if one gets run over. They'd definately wish they'd paid smaller cost of a new gate then and can pick up second hand if short of money.

As it's causing you a lot of distress then I agree with a PP that offering to sort out gate issue with other neighbours may solve the problem for you all a lot sooner than trying to get authorities or owners to action anything.