For us all to live happily together, there are rules we all need to abide by to avoid conflict between not only humans and dogs, but also dogs and dogs and the council. As a mum of 2 x cairn terriers, I know how small dogs can be unaware of their size and their place in the food chain, and should a bigger dog assert themselves these guys will usually not roll over easily, and I am also aware they can be a little antagonistic.
My bitchy girl (meant exactly how it sounds) has been attacked by large dogs a few times - whilst she was her on a leash and the other dog wasn't. Once my husband was walking them and was not at all impressed when his precious girl was on the ground with a large dogs mouth (and teeth) around her neck. There was no skin broken but still a traumatising event for anyone within earshot, as there was a lot of shouting of profanities from my husband, not helped by the "he's only playing" coming from the big dog owner - he came home angry with his little girl in his arms. Please note, these dogs are frequently off leash in residential streets even though they attacked our dog twice - they must have done others. My husband tries to avoid them and I don't go near the street.
So many of us are vigilant about dogs on leashes on residential streets - you only have to see a dog hit by a car once to understand the full implications - trauma and heartbreak that could easily be avoided. Especially in the busy season we need to be extra mindful that those extendable leashes can cause a real drama if a car comes around a corner too quickly and we are not aware.
We have leash free parks, sports grounds and beaches, which are absolutely fantastic - we all have our favourites. On the Southern Peninsula we are lucky to have Cameron's Bight in Blairgowrie, fought tooth and nail for by our determined doggie community many years ago and to whom we are eternally thankful! If you haven't signed our petition to have this area extended, please do so.
Add comment
Comments