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Arachnid
Platinum Member
 England
1872 Posts |
 Posted - 29 Apr 2013 : 09:10:06 AM
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This is just one of the dog bites Spider sustained on our hack yesterday. People please be careful there are some very irresponsible dog owners out there. This dog chased us relentlessly until I fell off and then continued to chase and bite Spider as he fled across the downs. I am not being too dramatic to say we are both lucky to be here this morning. The dog owner tried to walk off (once he'd eventually caught his beast) without apology. I do now have his name and address and I will report him to the police.
In the meantime Spider is on bute, anti biotics and flamazine. He isn't lame but he was very shocked. Well, me too.
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West Sussex |
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pinkvboots
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
3290 Posts |
Posted - 29 Apr 2013 : 09:19:31 AM
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You must have both been terrified, I only posted on here a few weeks back about some dogs that attacked a deer and left it dying, I know so many people who have also been attaced whilst riding some of the horses never came home so you are right when you say how lucky you are it could have ended very differently, I am really glad you have this persons details I hope the police do something he should be made to pay your vet bill at the very least, what kind of dog was it?
I hope Spider makes a good recovery and hope your not too sore from coming off, thing is its often the mental scars from this kind of thing that cant be healed. |
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clippi
Bronze Member
54 Posts |
Posted - 29 Apr 2013 : 09:22:12 AM
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Report it with the BHS as well.
I hope Spider recovers quickly and isn't too traumatisd by it
I have many things I could say about irresponsible dog owners, none of which is polite, so I will refrain and hope that the police act upon this. Do you hav witnesses? |
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Kharidian
Platinum Member
England
4297 Posts |
Posted - 29 Apr 2013 : 09:25:55 AM
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Oh goodness, how horrific for you both. I. Glad you're both relatively unscathed (albeit traumatised) and you had the presence of mind to get the owner's details. I'm glad you're getting the police involved.
Roger has only been bitten once (a nip from a GSD when he was stationary as the dog was around his back legs) and he kicked the dog in return (not hard enough though, just a slap) but we often have dogs bouncing over and getting underneath him but it must be so frightening to be chased.
Caryn |
Kharidian (Prince Sadik x Khiri)........ Alkara Cassino (H Tobago x Rose Aboud)
aka "Roger".................................... aka "Chips"
     
The first image is from an original painting by Pat Shorto.
South-East Essex |
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Arachnid
Platinum Member
England
1872 Posts |
Posted - 29 Apr 2013 : 09:59:26 AM
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Thanks people. We were both very frightened. This is the third time this year we've been chased by dogs although not bitten on the other occasions. I've reported the incident to the BHS (thanks Clippi) and the police are taking it quite seriously.
I'll let you know if they take any action.
Pinkvboots, the dog was a Staffordshire Bull Terrier (typecast!)and Clippi yes lots of witnesses, it was a lovely day on the South Downs way all of whom are keen to be involved!
Keep safe! |
West Sussex |
Edited by - Arachnid on 29 Apr 2013 10:01:45 AM |
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Tricia
Bronze Member
Wales
161 Posts |
Posted - 29 Apr 2013 : 10:46:37 AM
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| Do make sure you get your horse treated by the vet and give them the vet bill. This has happened to us a couple of times over the years, but we have managed to get them to pay up for the treatment and they have been visited by a police officer and warned to keep their dogs under control. |
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Pop
Platinum Member
England
3051 Posts |
Posted - 29 Apr 2013 : 11:08:23 AM
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"The dog owner tried to walk off (once he'd eventually caught his beast) without apology."
How awful for you both. For it to happen in the first place is bad, but even if the owner thought the dog completely under control and it normally behaves perfectly well, what happened after was just inexcusable. I take it they didn't help you, and your horse, rush over to check you were OK, go back to the yard with you and be concerned on the welfare of your horse. Ask what they could do to help.
It's never happened to me but I'm sure I would be very frightened. Luckily, all the dogs I've met whilst out riding have had very careful owners, and they have been called to heel and held as we pass. Some have even asked for help in getting their dog familiar and comfortable with horses. |
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martha615
Gold Member
England
1053 Posts |
Posted - 29 Apr 2013 : 11:16:53 AM
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I am so sorry. I understand you fell off -- was that at speed? Are you okay.
The wound is terrible and the psychological scars are worse. I am SHOCKED by the irresponsibility of dog owners. I wish Millie had been there. Millie would have kicked the dog. Esme would have run, though. And very fast.
So sorry for you both right now! |
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joanna_piana
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
3935 Posts |
Posted - 29 Apr 2013 : 11:42:41 AM
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| Poor Spider and you hope you both recover quickly. I avoid our local common now at peak times as have dogs jumping up at us etc. My lurcher would probably chase if given the chance hence why she is always muzzled when out walking and kept on lead where necessary. If only more people would muzzle their dogs at least if they are taken by surpirse and can't stop the chase they are unable to do any damage. |
      
Harthall Rashida RIP, Binley Ishara, Bouchan
Chorleywood, Hertfordshire |
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Pasch
Platinum Member
2277 Posts |
Posted - 29 Apr 2013 : 11:57:14 AM
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How awful!!Poor Spider and poor you!Don't this people realise one could get seriously hurt or worse and their dog die from a well aimed kick?
I have met dogs several times,there are two labradors especially that belong to a small B&B,they bark and that's ok,problem is they come out of the gate onto the road where we are passing and follow us barking,horses are cooler about it than us probably but once a lady with a young horse almost fell as the horse bolted.We told them to keep the dogs inside but to no avail.
It's not about the dog breed,GSD can be as dangerous as bull terriers,it's about the owners.Dogs are just being dogs,this kind of owners are just being ........(trying to keep polite) |
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Callisto
Platinum Member
6905 Posts |
Posted - 29 Apr 2013 : 12:30:59 PM
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Julia how awful, I do hope the pair of you make a full recovery asap.
I also hope it doesn't scar Spider mentally - have to be very careful with Buzz and dogs - he was chased over a 5 bar gate onto the road as a baby, and now he either bolts from dogs who run up to him (from behind), if they approach him from the front he tends to attack them  .
Agree about giving the owner the vets bill. |
  Zahkira (GR Amaretto x Taffetta)
Linda
East Sussex |
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Arachnid
Platinum Member
England
1872 Posts |
Posted - 29 Apr 2013 : 12:35:02 PM
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I'm a bit sore this morning (hurt my neck falling off) I wish Spider HAD kicked the dog but he was just kind of flicking his feet at it in self defence (and galloping obviously). The police actually rang me this morning and they are going to let me know how they intend to proceed. Also the town dog warden has left me a message - not sure quite what he does, but I'm happy hes interested.
And yes Tricia, there will be a big vets bill. My vet is great (and was there in 20 mins despite being a VIP in his practice!) but not cheap.
Callisto/Linda I'm worried about Spider and dogs in future too. He was already a bit nervous of them |
West Sussex |
Edited by - Arachnid on 29 Apr 2013 12:36:20 PM |
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Pasch
Platinum Member
2277 Posts |
Posted - 29 Apr 2013 : 12:44:52 PM
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| As much as I would take the horse side in a life or death situation (dog attacking horse) I hope the dog isn't killed by authorities as again it wasn't the dog's fault (he was just being a dog)but the owner's.He's the only one who should be punished here. |
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Suelin
Platinum Member
England
2514 Posts |
Posted - 29 Apr 2013 : 1:02:02 PM
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The facts as I read them are; This dog was dangerously out of control in a public place. Yours and your horse's safety was seriously put at risk and both of you were injured. Police matter here and they are duty bound to respond and if you wish can press charges. I hope you have names phone numbers of witnesses in order that they can pursue this. Keep at them. Further I hope that you claim for vets expenses and that you have been checked out by your GP in case of ongoing injury to yourself. I think you should have an x-ray on you neck/spine, particularly if you have neck pain this morning.
This may sound OTT but believe me that it isn't and until folk are seriously hit by the law as it exists and in their pocket I don't believe that things will change. This kind of thing is getting far too common.
The dog is not at fault, the owner is by not training it and taking proper responsibility for it and it's behaviour.
I hope that you and your horse are okay. You must both have been very scared. Get tough here with this irresponsible person. |
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pinkvboots
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
3290 Posts |
Posted - 29 Apr 2013 : 1:16:16 PM
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| I did wonder if it was a staffy, I have nothing against staffies they make very good pets with the right owners, unfortunately they often fall into the wrong hands and people use them as a status symbol and have no idea how dangerous they can be, two of the worst horse attacks with dogs I know of involved staffs, I would take it as far as you can legally otherwise how are people going to learn, just really glad your both ok. |
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Callisto
Platinum Member
6905 Posts |
Posted - 29 Apr 2013 : 1:38:04 PM
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Might be a bit too long after the event, but dose the pair of you with Bach's Rescue Remedy, won't hurt you but is designed to help with shocks and to soothe. I do hope poor Spider's bites recover quickly - will you be going to Plumpton all being well?
I have to turn and face dogs with Buzz, and have got quite good at demanding that people get their dogs under control (Most people around here are pretty good I must admit), it's the unexpected dog bursting out of the bushes that is the main problem. But as soon as your horse starts running, the dog will chase (and bark). If necessary I ride at the dog - usually puts them off - and as I say, Buzz does now go for them if they appear in front... |
Zahkira (GR Amaretto x Taffetta)
Linda
East Sussex |
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Kes
Platinum Member
England
1819 Posts |
Posted - 29 Apr 2013 : 1:46:01 PM
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| Sadly I witnessed the whole event and Julia and Spider didn't stand a chance such was the speed and intensity of the attack. The dog came from quite some distance with the owner not even being able to see what was happening until it was too late. For the dog it was predatory instinct, it chased Spider down relentlessly causing injuries along the way. This was all totally preventable and I am deeply saddened and angered to see my friend and her lovely horse injured and frightened such was the attack - Julia I hope you and Spider recover well/ speedily, but also as important, don't let this create a bigger fear of dogs - WE were in control, the dog OWNER wasn't. |
    
Carole & Kes, West Sussex. |
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brack369
Gold Member
559 Posts |
Posted - 29 Apr 2013 : 2:02:18 PM
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This makes me so angry!! There are so many irresponsible dog owners out there. I no longer ride out on my own after having a couple of scary encounters and you don't just see out of control dogs round horses but also around children's playgrounds.
I hope you and poor Spider recover from your ordeal, it must have been terrifying for you both |
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Pauline
Platinum Member
England
3185 Posts |
Posted - 29 Apr 2013 : 2:11:43 PM
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So sorry to hear about your fall.
As Tricia has said ,get the vets bill take a couple of copies and give the bill to the person and to the police.
Get yourself seen by your GP and if you need any treatment such as Physio or an Osteopath ,then again take a couple of copies and again giv a copy to the person an the police.
Report this to the BHS accident. The more these are reported th better. I often Carr a schooling whip just in case I meet an unruly dog.
Hope you and Spider get over your shock. |
Pauline Higgs
Equine & Human Holistic Therapist
www.thegentlestouch.co.cc
www.endurancegbmidsouth.co.uk
Berkshire / Hampshire Border |
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moatside
Platinum Member
England
3224 Posts |
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Arachnid
Platinum Member
England
1872 Posts |
Posted - 29 Apr 2013 : 2:54:01 PM
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I was wondering what I could have carried to put the dog off but actually it was quite small so a whip wouldn't have helped. My partner says that quite a lot of cyclists now carry a mace spray but I think I would have ended up spraying Spider by mistake and as Kes has pointed out we had absolutely no time to do anything it raced at us to attack - it wasn't playful in any way.
I've reported to the BHS Pauline who want me to let them know how the police respond. I don't feel injured enough to go to the doctor (don't we horseriders always have injuries of some sort!) I just want to get Spider better and I feel DREADFUL that I couldn't protect him.
Dog desensitisation starts tomorrow starting with the soppy farm collies and the licky vislers... |
West Sussex |
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Suelin
Platinum Member
England
2514 Posts |
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ali bali
Gold Member
Scotland
641 Posts |
Posted - 29 Apr 2013 : 4:11:38 PM
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Hi Julia, sorry such a horrible and frighteningthing has happened to you, hope you both recover well.
Please listen to Suelins advice in both her posts. The dog was dangerously out of control in a public place. That is an offense from my reading of the law. You have a witness. If the police tell you they are not going to proceed with a prosecution ask them for their reasons why, and make a note of the reasons. Dont get fobbed off. Also ensure provide the officer dealing with your case with the vets bill as the courts can make a compensation order to cover this.
Your neck and spine are VITAL, if you are in pain get yourself checked out too, after all if Spider was in the sort of pain you are in I bet you'd call a vet for him. Why deny yourself the same care!
Get well soon, Alison
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Arachnid
Platinum Member
England
1872 Posts |
Posted - 29 Apr 2013 : 4:31:10 PM
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Thanks for your advice Suelin and Alibali.
I've just heard from the Dog Warden. His powers are quite modest. He can ask the dog owner to refund vets fees and to sign an agreement to keep the dog on a lead and muzzled but this is unenforceable. He says that the Dangerous Dog Laws (sent to me immediately by the BHS) don't apply unless there is an injury to a person. My injury doesnt count because it is incidental to the attack. I'm going back to the legislation.
Hmm. Not very happy with this.
The police officer hasn't got back to me yet (we don't have crime in Shoreham and I don't think he quite knows what to do next!)
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West Sussex |
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Kes
Platinum Member
England
1819 Posts |
Posted - 29 Apr 2013 : 5:09:33 PM
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| "My injury doesn't count because it is incidental to the attack." What??!!!! That's ridiculous, you didn't simply fall of your horse, you were attacked by an out of control dog. |
Carole & Kes, West Sussex. |
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garnet
Platinum Member
2382 Posts |
Posted - 29 Apr 2013 : 5:42:13 PM
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Agree with everything said above. It is worth getting yourself checked out - you may not have much pain at the moment but it could get worse or lead to ongoing problems. Some years ago my car was written off while stationary in a line of traffic when a lorry driver phoning ran into the back of me. I saw the doctor straight away and months later got compensation for whiplash. (I wouldn't have claimed but the lorry driver's insurance wouldn't cough up for my courtesy car and it went to a solicitor and I said in passing What about my whiplash? so they shot themselves in the foot). As for saying your injury is incidental - rubbish!
If you are a BHS member they can give you legal advice.
Hope you are both feeling very much better soon. What a dreadful thing to happen to you. |
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Dog attack
