Forum Topic

seal bitten by dog

we went to see the sealbut it had just been attacked by a dogand was about to be taken away for treatment

Simon Pedley ● 2046d109 Comments

:(

Philippa Bond ● 2046d

What an appalling, heinous crime.

Simon Temple ● 2046d

I hope the dog's owner has been identified and reported to the police.

Sue Rowe ● 2046d

Already has. The dog is called Gnasher and the owner is called Dennis The Menace.

Simon Temple ● 2046d

Don’t think it’s a joking matter. Poor seal was terrified after being attacked a dog. Been taken away for treatment, hope they find the woman dog owner responsible.

Susan Jacques ● 2046d

Sorry, didn't mean to be facetious. Poor thing.  If the poor animal doesn't make it, can I get shoes out of it? They're seriously warm.

Simon Temple ● 2046d

https://chiswickcalendar.co.uk/freddie-the-seal-attacked-by-dog-near-hammersmith-bridge/

Michael Robinson ● 2045d

Cue another hilariously unfunny remark from Simeon Temple.

Jill Merrett ● 2045d

Quite, Jill.

Claire Moran ● 2045d

Update on Freddie the Seal from South Essex Wildlife Hospital :“Monday 22nd March 2021, 17:17 so its been a very busy media filled day with everyone wanting to know how freddie the seal who was attacked by a dog, is doing. ourselves and the experts at british divers marine life rescue have consulted several specialist marine and orthopedic vets and as we strongly suspected having taken xrays this morning the prognosis is extremely poor. Freddie's flipper is fractured and the joint dislocated. seals do not take anaesthetic well as they have a dive reflex and don't breath. although an attempt could be made to pin the fracture , it would be impossible to immobilise the limb to give it time to heal. more challenging is the dislocation which is not repairable. the flipper is very swollen and despite antibiotics and pain relief the seal is clearly very uncomfortable and reluctant to eat. we suspect the infection is spreading and with the other bite wounds to his body he is very miserable. at this stage we believe the only ethical and fair option we have is to end his suffering . we are currently confirming this with bdmlr . we know this is a well loved seal from the amazing response we have had to his story but he is not the only seal we have had to care for that this has happened to. please folks do not go near seals and always, always, keep dogs on leads and under control.

Paul Scullion ● 2045d

All because the dog owner didn't have it on a leash.

Carl Wynne ● 2045d

Thanks for the update, Paul. Though it doesn't sound very hopeful for Freddie. How sad.

Jill Merrett ● 2045d

Thank you Paul, I had not seen the latest update.  So very very sad.  I did wonder when I saw the injury to his flipper, how he would be able to live a normal life again.

Joan Adamson ● 2045d

My wife heard on the BBC local 6.30 pm news that the seal has now been put to sleep. What a shame, but an expected outcome given the nature of the wounds.

Bob Guyett ● 2045d

I wonder if the seal might have already been suffering from some illness,hence it drifting off course,but that doesn't in any way make the dog owner less responsible for this.If ever you are in Cornwall, the seal sanctuary at Gweek is a fantastic place to visit.

Keith Iddon ● 2045d

Apparently the seal population in the Thames is increasing. Cleaner water and they are coming further upstream.

Carl Wynne ● 2045d

Not quite so funny now, eh Simeon? Or maybe it is to you. with your warped sense of humour. Anyway, I do so hope you get your shoes, preferably with concrete soles.

Jill Merrett ● 2045d

Oh, no, so upsetting.  And I came across a post on Facebook I wished I hadn't seen of some 20 lambs and sheep in a field that had been killed by a single dog that owners couldn't control. As a dog owner, I don't believe dogs should always be kept on a lead, but of course do so near roads (one of my rescues, poor lad is permanently on a lead as he's a bit unpredicatable with other dogs due probably to poor socialisation as a puppy, although he's very good mostly now) and in the country where we are likely to encounter deer, horses, cattle, sheep etc.  I hadn't really bothered with keeping my  other rescue dog on the lead near the Thames as he is not at all aggressive, and any ducks etc will soon fly away when anything approaches and if he goes near a nest I can easily recall him, but if seals are coming further up the Thames, although he's a waggy, friendly boy, great (as is the other) with my cats, I will keep him on a lead near the river in future.  A shame as he likes paddling but it's not worth even a small risk to wildlife.

Claire Moran ● 2045d

I can't see anything in the news about the dog itself or the owner. What is going to happen to them?Anybody who can identify what breed of dog it was from the pictures?

Randeep Singh ● 2045d

The breed is irrelevant. All dogs can inflict serious wounds if not properly trained to respond to owner's commands or if sufficiently provoked (eg mistreated). It's the owner that needs identifying.

Claire Moran ● 2045d

"The breed is irrevalent"In a confrontation between a seal and a miniature pekinese, I know who I would back.

James Roy ● 2045d

It appears the seal has been euthanased, it's injuries were too severe.

Liz Combes ● 2045d

Duh, I'm really on the ball....always late to the party.

Liz Combes ● 2045d

I hope they do identify the owner and issue a massive fine, so sad

Jayne Thorburn ● 2044d

"..the owner is called Dennis The Menace"Is that your other alias, Simon ? Your posts are certainly not Saintly.

Richard Greenhough ● 2044d

If dogs are not kept on a leash they should have a muzzle on, it couldbe a child next.

Janice Evans ● 2044d

As a dog lover (but not a dog owner) I am somewhat conflicted. Most dogs I encounter when on the bike or walking tend to run free and are well behaved. This said I think Janice makes a valid point on the risk to children and given the density of the Thames towpath I think in those types of areas dogs should be on a leash.

Matthew Swain ● 2044d

I find it hard to see why in general, people are so upset or concerned about the welfare of one seal...whenever as a species we are destroying the habitats of many beautiful animals, let alone the inhumane and torturous conditions of modern farming.Out of sight out of mind...some food for thought perhaps.

Will Griggs ● 2044d

Will, people can be concerned about more than one thing at a time.Hope this clarifies it for you.

John Hannon ● 2044d

Absolutely. But why does one seal make the news? We care for the welfare of animals we can see, and appear cute or somewhat rare, but when it comes to what is right under our noses day in day out, we chose to ignore it...if we didn't this forum would be full of wonderful ideas and projects to improve the wildlife and welfare of animals around Chiswick and the Thames.But the last time I checked, it isn't.

Will Griggs ● 2044d

I'm a vegetarian so do care about what goes on in farming, the point is the seal was badly injured and often when a dog gets the taste of blood it will bite again so to keep children safe (not only wildlife) keep dogs on leash or muzzle up.

Janice Evans ● 2044d

Everywhere. They shouldn't be. But their keepers feel entitled.

Ken Munn ● 2044d

It is a requirement to allow dogs exercise, including off lead in appropriate areas to fulfil their natural need for exercise, and dogs who don't get that can become very frustrated and therefore badly behaved.  Would you like to be kept on a lead all the time?  You'd probably say it breached your human rights. Well, being kept on a lead all the time breaches a dog's rights unless they are not able to be controlled by the owner.  Most dogs can be controlled by the owner. This dog clearly couldn't be controlled, but it is a fairly new phenomenon to find seals basking by the Thames, and the owner probably was only expecting to see birds there which can easily escape dogs.

Claire Moran ● 2044d

What an appalling situation.Thank you Claire; indeed "deed not breed". I can assure you, it would be no fun to be bitten by a small dog - Cocker Spaniels and Jack Russell terriers often top the "dog most likely to bite" lists and they can do significant amounts of damage.As to Mr Munn "often when a dog gets the taste of blood it will bite again so to keep children safe (not only wildlife) keep dogs on leash or muzzle up."Palpable nonsense. I don't agree with feeding dogs raw food but some owners do and their dogs, in spite of "tasting blood" are no more nor less likely to bite than any other. There is no evidence to suggest that dogs that have bitten are more likely to bite again simply because it has happened once. Bites occur for a reason.Dogs bite in a dangerous manner because they are angry, stressed, afraid, possessive or because of prey drive.People can do a lot to keep their children safe by not letting them career around out of control on scooters and bicycles, not assuming that they have an automatic right to touch any dog they like, often without asking, and by educating their children how to behave around dogs. Dog owners should know the laws that apply to them and abide by them and seek out a qualified, professional, non-aversive trainer to ensure that their dogs are an asset to the community not a hazard.

Charlotte Kasner ● 2044d

I agree with you, Will, the appalling treatment of animals in the farming industry which most people happily eat is disgusting, not to mention wildlife.  I occasionally post petitions on here, but ultimately this is a locally-focused website and I try as far as possible to post things that only affect the local community (although it's difficult to resist being drawn into other threads sometimes :))  This was a fairly local incident.  There are other, far more powerful international platforms than this little local website to air views on how animals are treated in general.  I for one do every single day.

Claire Moran ● 2044d

It was my comments, feeding dogs raw food is not the same as attacking and getting a flavour for it, dogs can exercise with a muzzle on so no excuse.

Janice Evans ● 2044d

JaniceTwo points for you to consider: 1) if a dog attacks either wildlife or another dog  it doesn't mean that it will attack a human. My 2 Jack Russell's will, if they see them, chase and kill rats and mice and it's very quick clean demise for said rodents, but they've never done that to any other species and are extremely child / human friendly. In fact 2 of the local Nurseries  actively encourage their little charges to engage with Fifi and Barney, both of whom love children. 2) Dogs should always be on lead on pavements and confined walking spaces such as narrow towpaths, but not in open spaces - or are you saying that dogs should always be on lead and muzzled  ? If so that would be a recipe for creating frustration, anxiety and possibly worse in dogs who need more exercise than humans for both their physical health and mental wellbeing. As for dogs getting a taste for blood and biting again, I think you're way off base and over reacting. When Fifi was a puppy she accidentally bit me when we were playing tug, the one and only time, but according to your theory having tasted my blood she should have re offended... but she never has. Please try and take a balanced view. Many thanks.

Loraine Pemberton ● 2044d

Most dogs can get muzzles off in quicksticks and for most dogs it's overkill.  It's like saying all men should wear a ball and chain forever as every three days one of them kills a woman.

Claire Moran ● 2044d

It's all about controlling a pet, appreciate you do an awful lot to help animals which is excellent, a dog with a short nose can get a muzzle off but it doesn't have to be on all the time only  in busy areas if you let them off,  had to do it with my own dogs even though they were well trained knew I would not be able to control both of them if something happen so play safe.

Janice Evans ● 2044d

ClaireExactly right and a great analogy 🤣

Loraine Pemberton ● 2044d

Prevention is surely best.

Janice Evans ● 2044d

Janice, you haven't answered my first post?Prevention ? Would you apply that logic to children whose parents have a criminal background ? How would you 'muzzle' or 'restrict' them ? Sorry but you're making wild assumptions

Loraine Pemberton ● 2044d

Some children are to young to be told, so it's up to us pet owners to do the right thing.

Janice Evans ● 2044d

Missed your other post Lorraine, obviously you want to let your dog off, that's up to you if it's allowed, my dogs were quite powerful so a different situation entirely.  If you know anything about the illegal dog fighting you will know they get the taste for attacking which is another matter and awful.This is my view of things.

Janice Evans ● 2044d

Dog fighting rings are a different matter entirely.  The dogs are trained to attack other animals - usually dogs and cats given away for free by unsuspecting owners - and are actively encouraged and praised for the viciousness of their attack.  The dogs who are reluctant to attack are goaded to near madness and if they still won't, are tied up and themselves used as bait for more compliant dogs who will do as their owners bid.  It's not quite the same, Janice, to put it mildly.  A lot of dogs are on raw food diets which contains blood.  They don't go round attacking every other animal.

Claire Moran ● 2044d

Some of these dogs used for fighting are taken out and sometimes amongst us, i know it's hard to accept but it happens, raw food has nothing to do with attacking.

Janice Evans ● 2044d

Taste for blood, is a figure of speech.

Janice Evans ● 2044d

Janice My advice to you is to stop making such sweeping statements, and look to facts rather than your preconceived prejudices. Please understand that the canine species are sentient with a range of feelings and emotions. Or perhaps the well known saying  "one Swallow doesn't make a Summer"

Loraine Pemberton ● 2044d

Loraine,My advice to you is to accept others might not agree.

Janice Evans ● 2044d

We don't often disagree must say, however nothing will change regarding pets.

Janice Evans ● 2044d

I still haven't seen why a miniature peke poses a threat to anyone?My mum, now long since gone had a peke (normal size) and it couldn't have attacked its own shadow.  After my dad died it was a very real companion for her, and kept her activeA seal would have had it for breakfast

James Roy ● 2044d

Ha, a tiny nip, but what if her dog had been attacked, it goes on and on and on.

Janice Evans ● 2044d

JaniceApologies, but you clearly have no idea about animal behaviour, especially that of canines.

Loraine Pemberton ● 2044d

Loraine,Had pets all my life, think I know enough to give my views.

Janice Evans ● 2044d

'Apologies, but you clearly have no idea about animal behaviour, especially that of canines.'Well, apart from the fact that they attack seals by the Thames, and deer in Richmond park, and sheep in fields, and children from time to time, and even other dogs.

Ken Munn ● 2044d

First time I’ve agreed with you Ken.The owners of dogs that do that sort of thing should end up inside for a few years

Bernard Allen ● 2044d

The men who attack women, killing one woman every three days, should be jailed, including the policeman who was recently let off after attacking a woman.  Never see either of you posting about that.

Claire Moran ● 2044d

JaniceYour absolutely entitled to give your views, but saying that dogs should always be muzzled and/or on leads when out, imo  is cruel.

Loraine Pemberton ● 2043d

I thought this thread was about dogs attacking other defenceless animals.But if you want a tit for tat posting, Is there any postings about the number of males that are attacked and stabbed in our streets, over the last couple of years.

Bernard Allen ● 2043d

False equivalence.

Ken Munn ● 2043d

Not to be confused with argument to moderation, also known as false equivalence, a fallacy asserting that the truth is between two extremes.False equivalence is a logical fallacy in which an equivalence is drawn between two subjects based on flawed or false reasoning. This fallacy is categorized as a fallacy of inconsistency.[1] Colloquially, a false equivalence is often called "comparing apples and oranges."

Bernard Allen ● 2043d

According to report on the radio the dog in question belongs to a barrister.Coincidently my dog was attacked by a barrister's dog in Hammersmith. Unprovoked this dog left a half inch wound in my border's neck.It turns out this dog has a history of unprovoked attacks.Two days ago a spaniel was hit by a car in my road resulting in a broken leg. This dog is never on a lead and runs in and out front gardens and across road. The accident was inevitable.I have been criticised for keeping my dog on a lead by local owners but my view is that dogs should be kept on a lead in built up areas.

Adrian Irving ● 2043d

" but my view is that dogs should be kept on a lead in built up areas"Adrian, I completely agree

Loraine Pemberton ● 2043d

This is being talked about on LBC

Ben Gemmingen ● 2043d

And a big article in today's Times (which names the dog owner)

David Halliday ● 2043d

According to various newspapers and Facebook sites, no action is being taken against the owner.

Claire Moran ● 2043d

Now on the front page of this site.

Claire Moran ● 2043d

That shouldn't be a surprise. Has legal action ever been taken against any dog owner for their pet attacking another wild animal in this country? The deer in Royal Parks would not be counted as wild.If she was prosecuted the precedent would create difficulties. My dog has a long career of unsuccessfully chasing squirrels. If he did eventually catch one then would I be liable for prosecution. If not, what is the difference between my case and the one involving the seal other than the attacked animal had been given a name?

Paul Corcoran ● 2043d

The dog owner is obviously heartbroken at what happened to poor Freddie, and we should also remember that animals have been attacking and killing each other (andd humans) for millions of years, and will continue to do so in the future. And I don't supppose that Freddie was averse to chomping on a live fish, either, though I don't know whether or not fish feel pain.Those pet owners among us know perfectly well that they are sentient creatures which are aaware of their feelings and emotions; that their lives matter to them; they feel joyand pleasure, and feel pain and suffering.There is a report in today's Daily Telegraph of a letter sent by the British Veterinary Association which urges the Government to keep its manifesto promise to include animal sentience in law. They wrote: "It's been 40 months since the pledge to enshrine the principle of animal sentience in UK law, after concerted campaigning by veterinary and animal welfare organisations and a huge outpouring of public feeling. But  this hasn't happened yet".Quite how new laws for animal sentience will help the Freddie's of the future, and animals queueing at the abattoir door, I am at a loss to understand.

Roger Talbot ● 2043d

I suspect that is why they haven't introduced it, Roger.  It raises big problems about killing animals, wild or farmed, especially when it is done extremely painfully as in much religious slaughter which doesn't allow them to be stunned first. And about foxhunting which although illegal still goes on. And yes, fish do feel pain, fear and pleasure, experiments prove.

Claire Moran ● 2043d

Oh, and about lab experiments on eg dogs and primates.

Claire Moran ● 2043d

No it's not.  It's about consistency in applying the law in both cases. If it isn't, it's called hypocrisy.

Claire Moran ● 2043d

Indeed Claire  what humans do to 10,000's of dogs, chimpanzees, rabbits, rats etc in Laboratories is horrific, but I don't see many people raising their arms in horror about that ?

Loraine Pemberton ● 2043d

My post above was in reply to Ken and Bernard.

Claire Moran ● 2043d

Claire, I know it was a 👍

Loraine Pemberton ● 2043d

As well as in the New York Post.

David Lesniak ● 2043d

we could learn from Japan in this respect, where dogs must be kept on a lead in public areas, and fenced-off areas are provided for dogs to exercisethere could be fenced-off areas in CHG, Dukes Meadows and Richmond park.problem solved

Simon Pedley ● 2043d

Not a bad idea as there has been talk of a ban on dogs in parks which would not be fair.

Janice Evans ● 2043d

I see from the article on the homepage that the QC involved is to face no charges.Fair enough suppose if that's where the law's at.She is sorry that this happened, again fair do's but hopefully her dog will be more at heel in future.If it were me who was the owner, I would make a contribution to an animal charity or to the seal sanctuary at Gweek.

Keith Iddon ● 2043d

Loraine,Dont think it's cruel and I did say in public areas there are many secluded places you can take a dog to let them run free.  Think it's cruel when a dog has to be put to sleep because of a thoughtless owner.

Janice Evans ● 2043d

Apparently she made a contribution to the centre that treated the seal.

Claire Moran ● 2043d

Loraine, Apologies did not say in public areas but that is what I meant, any public areas.

Janice Evans ● 2043d

Claire, you said you have an unpredictable dog which you have to keep under control on a lead so being very responsible and that is being fair to your dog, do you think this lady with the offending dog should now do the same.

Janice Evans ● 2043d

JaniceThis is what you said,"...when a dog gets the taste of blood it will bite again so to keep children safe (not only wildlife) keep dogs on leash or muzzle up."The taste for blood and biting again and then bringing children into it comment, is scaremongering imo. I'm absolutely certain you'll disagree.No mention of public places, unless it was on another of your posts. I've already stated that dogs should on leads when out on the streets, also in parks etc where's there's a legal requirement for them to be on leads. Other than those places, dogs actually need to run around and socialise for their physical and mental wellbeing, I get the impression from your posts that you disagree with that ?I've no wish have a ping pong discussion so probably best to agree to disagree.

Loraine Pemberton ● 2043d

SimonChiswick House grounds do have fenced off areas where dogs are not allowed or must be on lead

Loraine Pemberton ● 2043d

Loraine,  just apologise for that, as obviously we were talking about public areas.....end of

Janice Evans ● 2043d

Loraine, look up on Google 'do dogs get a taste for blood' so you understand the term used.

Janice Evans ● 2043d

Adrian, similar happen to my German Shepherd which was on a lead,a dog off the lead just dive on him real aggressive and trying to bite my dogs neck, my dog never fight back as he had been train not to.  Think the collar save him from serious injury.  The owner just said oh sorry and walk off with it off the lead....ignorance or what.

Janice Evans ● 2043d

Now she knows that seals are basking by the river, certainly, as I will do with both of mine, (my mad one loves to swim so I let him swim on a long lead) and I hope that in the countryside where wild or farmed animals could be encountered she is already doing that, as I do. I prefer paths that go through woodland or safe spaces like Hampstead Heath so I can let my more sensible one off there, although they are both strictly on leads round the ponds as swans sometimes hiss and that can set them both off.

Claire Moran ● 2043d

Claire, just wish everyone would follow these examples it's not difficult isIt and would be much more pleasant for everyone.  Have seen small dogtrying to bite a runners ankles before now, and seen dogs take kids ball and burst it, silly things that need not happen.  We always prefer walking in woods away from everyone.

Janice Evans ● 2043d

Well, yes, Janice but particularly for women being away from everyone can be very dangerous.  As for balls, well, it's not easy to train an excitable dog to not get a ball. The one I let off the lead doesn't bother with them but some dogs are ball-obsessed.  My more sensible rescue has come a long way from being a timid little thing to becoming a bit overconfident and jumping up at everyone joyfully including children, who he adores, so we got that under control quite quickly but he still loves scavenging for food (his only fault now) and so he is on the lead where anyone is picnicking.  Unfortunately sometimes you come across picnickers in remote places and he has been known to steal a tasty sausage on occasion before I realised there were people who had spread their food out on the ground...it's a bit of give and take, no person or animal is perfect.

Claire Moran ● 2043d

In Japan it's the other way round: fenced off areas where dogs are allowed off leads. I had an interesting experience recently challenging a woman who had her 4 dogs off the lead in one of the CHG areas where there are signs saying dogs must be on a lead. She refused to put her dogs on leads, and then she assaulted me. I have it on video. I still haven't decided whether to report her to the police, or post the video on here so folk can help me identify her. Seems a bit mean. I don't want to ruin her life. But she was an out and out nutcase...just as bad as some of these out of control dogs.

Simon Pedley ● 2043d

Go on, I dare you!

Keith Iddon ● 2043d

Japan is a very densely populated country with very limited open space, hence the majority of their 9m pet dog population tend to be 'toy' breeds requiring minimal exercise.  Japan require all dogs to be on lead as does New York City so it's interesting that in a year Japan and NYC average 4,000 hospital visits due dog bites and England averages 1,400.Ravenscourt Park have segregated 'dog exercise' areas but these proved to cause more problems because some dogs became territorial about these areas and there was a notable rise in incidents of aggression.  When the policy was revised and dogs were allowed to be off lead throughout most of the park the incident numbers went back down.Dogs need proper exercise, to deny them adequate exercise is plain cruel and irresponsible.On the topic of the seal, it is very sad that the incident occurred but I do not think the dog owner deserves the level of abuse and vitriol she has received.  Animals have attacked other animals since the beginning of time, cats are estimated to kill 27 million birds in the UK a year - no one seems to hold cat owners responsible for these murders, foxes go into 'killing frenzies' killing entire flocks in one session, the herons in Chiswick House regularly eat the ducklings ......Has a pandemic taught us nothing, sometimes unexpected things happen that are beyond our control, as humans, rather than animals, can we not show a little more compassion to one another?

Fiona Campbell ● 2042d

Comparisons, how do you know if these dog bites happen outside and if the dog was actually on a lead or in the home.  Toy breeds are often snappy but would not think it would require a hospital visit.  Animals kill or attack other animals it does not usually occur in areas where there are many people around.  Cannot see where anyone has blame the ownerof the dog at this stage but would hope the dog is now always on a lead where necessary amongst others.

Janice Evans ● 2042d

As an estate agent I have been in literally thousands of homes many with dogs but I have only been bitten once.I say bitten but more a nip really by a miniature poodle which the lady of the Wraysbury riverside bungalow had given it a pink rinse to match her own hair do!Yes, I did get the instruction so all was forgiven.

Adrian Irving ● 2042d

FionaWell said and it just goes to confirm that dogs with restricted exercise and the freedom to socialise causes more problems than it prevents !

Loraine Pemberton ● 2042d

Agree with you Fiona about the vitriol for the owner. I can't imagine she went out walking her dog that day knowing that 1. a Seal might be basking in the sun and 2. that her dog would suddenly go nuts and attack the poor seal. My sister knows the lady in question and says she is a really lovely person and never in a million years expected the dog to do what it did. If she did, then no person in their right mind would think it acceptable to have the dog off the lead. I am sure there are many a dog owner who thinks their dog would never hurt a thing - until that moment when it suddenly turned and did exactly that. When I go walking by the river - there are very few dogs on leads and they run in and out of the river, mostly chasing the birds and geese around the waters edge. Dogs will also have a good go at catching the squirrels running up trees, and if they killed one - would people have the same opinion? It is terribly sad for everyone involved and a terrible fate for poor old Freddie Mercury.

J Morse ● 2042d

At this time of year when birds start nesting, it would seem thoughtful to keep dogs on leads near the river.

Vivienne Cox ● 2042d

Fiona, I could not agree more with every point you made.  For anyone who thinks small dogs can’t give a very nasty bite they have obviously never experienced it.  As a child I was bitten on my lip by our family corgi, had to have stitches and I still bear the scar to this day.  Also bitten by a neighbour’s dog when I was looking after them (one of  the sadly demised Robin Cook’s little Scotties who took exception to the dog I had at the time and I got a really nasty bite when I intervened.  I have said on here before that the dog the vets most fear is a Labrador – see link below. https://metro.co.uk/2016/08/02/the-type-of-dog-responsible-for-the-most-attacks-is-very-surprising-6043790/https://www.aaha.org/publications/newstat/articles/2019-06/new-study-identifies-most-damaging-dog-bites-by-breed/

Claire Moran ● 2042d

My Mum had a Yorkshire terrier that had been tormented by previous owner so was a bit nuts, he was friendly as anything while there but when leaving he would attack your feet, had to wear boots whenever I called inand would keep a pair of boots in the car for when I called in.

Janice Evans ● 2042d

I totally agree. The woman in question was careless but who has never done a careless thing? In this case, we got to know her name, her occupation, how much her house is worth and what her father’s  job was. She has apologised and made a donation to the animal rescue centre that tried to save the seal. I’m not sure what else people expect.

Stewart Jones ● 2042d

Bet it was notorious the dog minder who used her 4x4 to ‘walk’ her dogs in Grove Park.

Russell Pearson ● 2042d

pure unadulterated twaddle-speak...x

Stuart Kerr ● 2042d

> But she was an out and out nutcase...just as bad as some of these out of control dogs.Has to be the mad dog woman. The RSPCA were on her case a while back for mistreating dogs in her care. The 4x4 episode was the worst, she had several dogs on leads as she drove around Grove Park.

Russell Pearson ● 2042d

If you are thinking of the 'dogminder' who was mentioned on this site some time back, and of whom a video was taken and who used to keep dogs she was supposed to be looking after overnight in a car without any water whether in boiling hot or freezing cold weather, I know where she lived and it certainly wasn't worth several million, so think you are 'barking' up the wrong tree, Russell.

Claire Moran ● 2042d

I was referring to the woman who attacked Simon...sounds like her form?

Russell Pearson ● 2042d

Pretty wild speculation, Russell and probably slander.  While I am not of course in favour of violence, if Simon displays the same sick sense of humour he has shown on here to people he meets in person, I'm only surprised if it was a single incident.

Claire Moran ● 2042d

Narrow it down guys.

Simon Temple ● 2042d