| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
Sharea
Silver Member
United Kingdom
289 Posts |
 Posted - 29 Apr 2013 : 7:21:17 PM
|
oh my goodness that is awful! You must have both been terrified, the dog owner does need to accept responsibility or someone else could be injured in the future particularly now the dog has enjoyed the thrill of chasing Spider.
I do hope you both make a full recovery. |
Report to Moderator  |
|
|
arabiangem
Bronze Member
England
112 Posts |
Posted - 29 Apr 2013 : 7:28:58 PM
|
Julia - Tried to ring you on your mobile earlier on.....I know you got my text message. Hope you are ok and Spider recovers quick. Very very wrong of the person to walk away. You will both need some time to build up confidence. Take care,
xx |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
zebedeedeb
Gold Member
England
516 Posts |
Posted - 29 Apr 2013 : 7:39:02 PM
|
| julia can i just say please go to doctor,, and get a report even if your neck just hurts from the fall, because if you do want to take this further then the authorities will have a much stronger case if you were also hurt,even tho not severely,,, when i had a road accident and nearly lost Ree my arab,, the prat hit her 3 times up the rear end, i got his car type colour and reg number,, but the court wouldnt press charges as i wasnt hurt,, my girl had post traumatic stress and nearly died,,it was only pauline our vet who told me to ride her,even tho she was just a skeleton, she lost so much weight due to the stress of it,, keep a close eye on spider for this,, and low and behold after a week or so she started picking up,, horses really do suffer from post traumatic stress and so may you,, i can no longer ride on busy roads,, i also ride on the south downs and also walk my dogs up there, but they are always put on leads when i see horses even tho they are with my horses daily,, |
   |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
Suelin
Platinum Member
England
2514 Posts |
Posted - 29 Apr 2013 : 8:09:36 PM
|
Julia I am glad that the DW has got back to you but frankly this is not their domain at all. I do know this, I was a DW for several years. It is a POLICE matter and theirs alone. So stamp your foot and make a fuss and get them working on your behalf.
Quote them the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. Here is a link if they appear to be thick (they often were IME) http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1991/65/section/3.
Hope this helps you and I hope that you sue the backsides off the dog owner.
Having read your previous post, your injury is not incidental, it has been caused because of the dog attack. If you someone crashes into your car and dents it and you get hurt they are liable for your injury not just the dent in the car.
Further to that the fact that the dog was out of control in a public place made you fear for your safety with good reason. That is all that is needed to bring the case forward I believe. |
Edited by - Suelin on 29 Apr 2013 8:17:08 PM |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
Nichole Waller
Gold Member
England
1168 Posts |
Posted - 29 Apr 2013 : 8:42:18 PM
|
| Glad you are both ok. I would definitely go to the doctors as you never know what damage can happen later on. Some good advice above. |
       |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
Ari
Platinum Member
1657 Posts |
Posted - 29 Apr 2013 : 8:46:16 PM
|
Really feel for you, this would be my worst nightmare. You must get yourself checked with GP to make sure all is well. You did that for Spider and you should do too.
Can't imagine how you feel, I would want to kill a dog that attacked Ari!
Have had Staffie's for years no problem with babies, children or neds and have excellent recall but in wrong hands can be dangerous. |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
debs
Platinum Member
United Kingdom
3218 Posts |
Posted - 29 Apr 2013 : 8:49:17 PM
|
I'm so sorry you and your poor boy had to go through this ordeal. The owner doesn't deserve to own a dog if they don't take the responsibility for it. That attitude is totally unforgivable. Please take Suelins very wise advice.
I hope your boy, and you, get back to normal soon, with no lasting problems.
Take care of you both x |
    |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
SuziQ
Gold Member
England
922 Posts |
Posted - 29 Apr 2013 : 9:49:26 PM
|
oh my gosh how awful.. You absolutely must keep chasing and get something done, if not for yourself then for your horse and other riders on the Downs, next time it could be a child on a pony.
I do hope you are both recovered emotionally and physically soon |
Everyone in my life brings me happiness, some by arriving others by leaving. |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
Pasch
Platinum Member
2277 Posts |
Posted - 29 Apr 2013 : 10:27:11 PM
|
Yes another one for a visit to the doctor.
I just hope this will not end with a dog destroyed and an owner getting off with a fine,when it should end with a dog rehomed in more capable hands and an owner very heavily fined and banned from ever owning even the smallest dog. |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
Arachnid
Platinum Member
England
1872 Posts |
Posted - 30 Apr 2013 : 08:33:28 AM
|
The BHS agree with you Suelin so have passed relevant legislation to the Dog Warden. Bizarrely he seems to question that I was threatened! Have let him know in certain terms that I was terrified and have witnesses.
Police yet to get back to me but have the relevant information.
I know you are all right re going to doctor/A&E but also it will mean a 4 hour wait at the end of which theres a good chance they'll tell me to take another nurofen. |
   
West Sussex |
Edited by - Arachnid on 30 Apr 2013 09:08:24 AM |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
Pauline
Platinum Member
England
3185 Posts |
Posted - 30 Apr 2013 : 09:11:17 AM
|
Julie. I have recently had a car accident and the first thing the insurance company solicitors said was to go to my GP and log any injuries / problems with them. You do not need to go to A&E just your GP so that in the event that you or the police want to take things further you have evidence.
If we as rider do nothing ,then these people will get away with things.
One of my dogs a few years ago got attacked while I was riding out. He always trotted next to my pony/horse when anyone came near us. He sustained three deep bits and a wound to his shoulder. I found out who owned th dog and they were given th vets bill.
|
Pauline Higgs
Equine & Human Holistic Therapist
www.thegentlestouch.co.cc
www.endurancegbmidsouth.co.uk
Berkshire / Hampshire Border |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
garnet
Platinum Member
2382 Posts |
Posted - 30 Apr 2013 : 11:58:35 AM
|
| As Pauline says, it isn't about the Nurofen now, it's about getting it all down on paper for when the court case comes round. I know it's a pain queueing (was in line for my GP at 7.40 this morning) but sometimes it just has to be done. Hope you are beginning to feel better. |
      |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
Arachnid
Platinum Member
England
1872 Posts |
Posted - 30 Apr 2013 : 12:11:05 PM
|
Thank you Garnet and Pauline.
Dog warden is no longer involved and police are considering an offence under the Dangerous Dogs Act.
Really I want them to do whatever has the effect of making sure that dog has to wear a muzzle and a lead when it is out of the house. As Pasch has pointed out, really counter productive if dog is shot and people are at liberty to go out and buy another terrible dog.
A lot hinges on whether I felt personally threatened - yes obviously, it was terrifying! |
West Sussex |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
Kes
Platinum Member
England
1819 Posts |
Posted - 30 Apr 2013 : 12:31:44 PM
|
I agree totally, no point in the dog being destroyed, it was the owner at fault who will inevitably just go out and buy himself another dog who he will treat in the same manner.
As for how you felt, trying to control half a ton of very scared horse with a snapping barking dog at his back legs in a wide open space, near to a fence, which was next to a road...it's terrfying!!! Unquestionable. |
    
Carole & Kes, West Sussex. |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
CINDERS
Gold Member
England
750 Posts |
Posted - 30 Apr 2013 : 12:53:39 PM
|
Whilst I have every sympathy I am a little saddened that you involved the police, they could order the dog to be destroyed for what could have been a first offence.
If the dog owner accepted responsibility and is prepared to pay your vets bill then IMO it should have been left there. No-one died and from the sound of no-one was seriously injured.
Sorry if this is controversial but I am thinking of the poor dog. |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
heathermcbreen
Platinum Member
England
2132 Posts |
Posted - 30 Apr 2013 : 1:23:15 PM
|
| I have a dog but I dont agree with Cinders.... first offence or not.. next offence could be a small child on a small pony ... this dog could have caused death to horse or rider on this occasion, it is down to pure luck that neither were more seriously injured. It boils down to "balance of risk" this dog is a risk and will continue to be so, in fact its taste of blood and the excitement of the chase may make it even worse. His owner is irresponsible and that type of owner will continue to be so. |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
Pop
Platinum Member
England
3051 Posts |
Posted - 30 Apr 2013 : 1:50:09 PM
|
I see your viewpoint Cinders, but for me the Owners gave every indication that they were irresponsible, when the walked away without even an apology. Had they reacted in a caring way then you could reasonably expect that they would make every effort to ensure that it never happened again, and to offer to cover the costs (at least) of the attack.
Since they did not behave properly at the time of the attack, then I don't think they can be relied upon to behave properly in the future without some official encouragement.
If it were me in Arachnids situation and the person apologised and gave me reassurances about how they will prevent it happening again, I would certainly hesitate to involve the police; however, they didn't do that.
And I agree, the dog is probably now more likely to do it again after what could well have been a great fun chase from the dogs perspective. |
      |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
Caro23
Gold Member
United Kingdom
617 Posts |
Posted - 30 Apr 2013 : 2:01:42 PM
|
I'm still so shocked about this for you and gorgeous Spider. Please get checked out by the doctor Julia.
Someone local to me was chased by dogs - she came off, hit a tree and was paralyzed... she will never fully recover and the man was charged.
This could also have been you, this could have been an innocent bystander who got in yours and Spiders way. It doesn't bear thinking about.
This incident should be taken further. Thankfully you have both survived this accident but by highlighting the dangers of dogs out of control people might act more responsibly. None of us can ultimately control what any of our animals decide to do but when something happens we can behave in an appropriate way - this owner should have done that if nothing else.
|
Caro
     |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
ali bali
Gold Member
Scotland
641 Posts |
Posted - 30 Apr 2013 : 2:19:13 PM
|
I understand your point of view Cinders however the dog owners reaction clearly shows utter disregard for their dogs behaviour or Julies welfare, this suggests the dog will be left at liberty by its owner to repeat its actions. As many have already said its not the dogs fault its the owners however that does not help the next victim! What would help is intervention by the authorities in enforcing one of a range of measures at their disposal, a fine, a compensation order, a dog control order requiring it to be muzzled and/or on a lead whilst in a public place or if the dog is deemed suitably dangerous euthanized.
Im no expert and obviously it comes down to the individual sheriff (or magistrate in England) and their perception but as the dog in question did not attack a person but a horse I dont think euthanasia would be the most likely outcome. However Im not in full possession of the facts so couldn't say for sure.
Julie, two things, firstly if the police officer you make a report to is not 'horsey' they are unlikely to understand how dangerous the situation was, particularly if it was a small dog and you were sitting high off the ground on your horse they may well think you were out of reach and so not in harms way. Dont mean to teach you to suck eggs but be sure to explain the dangers and fear you experienced clearly focusing on danger to you (much more important in legal terms than your horse being bitten, no matter what you may think!!!).
Secondly not sure how the system works in England but to not have heard from the police by now in Scotland even if it was only to make an appointment to see you at a later date would be considered a bit pants! Has the incident even been officially recorded on their computer systems yet? Id be ringing them back and asking a few questions if I were you. Would hate to think it was being put in the 'too hard' box!
If you call the police back and ask why theyve not been in touch they tell you its because they are not proceeding, make sure and get a full explanation of why they feel an offence has not been committed! Unfortunately as with most services these days police officers along with nurses/teachers/social workers and many many more public sector workers are short staffed, over worked (and under paid!) and if they can avoid dealing with something some (not all!) will and increasingly you need to fight to get the results you ought to expect.
Going to stop now before I fall off my soap box  |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
Arachnid
Platinum Member
England
1872 Posts |
Posted - 30 Apr 2013 : 8:45:10 PM
|
Actually I hadn't considered that someone might not realise how dangerous it is to be attacked by a dog when you are on a horse but its good advice Alibali
I've now got an appointment to make a statement to the police.
I kind of know where you're coming from Cinders. On balance though I think I have more duty to the future victims of that dog than I do to the dog itself. In fact I would have reported the incident to the police in any case but they rang me as someone else had already reported it.
I don't think I'd be happy with the 'pay the vets fees and it will all be fine' scenario if this meant nothing changed. I'd love the dog owner to pay the vets fees but most important is that the dog is restrained.
|
West Sussex |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
Pasch
Platinum Member
2277 Posts |
Posted - 30 Apr 2013 : 9:23:31 PM
|
| Cinders I was the first here to worry about the dog being destroyed but I wouldn't leave it to paying the bills and excuses,I agree with others it could have been worse even fatal for you or others (imagine a panicked horse running on a road).As I said already dog should be rehomed and guy banned from having anything bigger than a Chihuahua. |
Edited by - Pasch on 30 Apr 2013 9:25:04 PM |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
jobo
Bronze Member
129 Posts |
Posted - 01 May 2013 : 12:40:34 AM
|
| hi sorry to hear about this hope you are both well. maybe good idea to get a docs report on your neck and then claim for damages and loss of earnings etc..... maybe then he will tell his mates and they will keep them on a lead. just a thought. |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
Eeyore
Gold Member
1181 Posts |
Posted - 01 May 2013 : 11:44:34 AM
|
| What an awful thing to happen to you. This is my worst nightmare, I just hate it when people don't have their dogs on leads and have no control over them. My dog is not good off the lead so when out in public I keep her on it. I would never dream of letting her off to chase after other animals. I hope Spider continues to improve, those wounds look very sore. |
Heléna
   |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
lulu
Gold Member
763 Posts |
Posted - 01 May 2013 : 12:21:50 PM
|
| So sorry to hear of your accident and the in jury to Spider. Please do try and get to a Dr. I've done the same not bothered but as I've got older have wished I had bothered. Haven't been on the Downs for awhile and after your accident not sure I want to. Hope you weren't too far from your yard. |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
TAE
Bronze Member
232 Posts |
Posted - 02 May 2013 : 06:49:01 AM
|
Julia I have to echo others about getting checked out. I had a pain full stiff neck and just took painkillers for a few days, two years later I found out I'd fractured a vertebra.
Take care and I hope you both recover soon |
| Report to Moderator |
|
|
Topic |
|
Dog attack
