Dog attack on Wandsworth Common Post Reply

[Mills1234]

So sorry to hear what you have gone through with your dog.

I think you also raise a really good side point on the yellow dog post. You mention it could act as a warning to children to give a dog more space. We have a dog (and children) and it puts the fear of god in me how many children bowl over and grab my dog without asking me first if I have stopped anywhere on Clapham Common. I am actually very happy to let children pat her if they ask, and she is completely submissive and just rolls over on her back for them to tickle her tummy. But the issue is she may have been a dog that doesn't like children and if they don't ask first, they don't know.

Also, I have to leave her sat outside the play areas on her own, and parents will stand and watch their children approaching her without attempting to stop them at all, when really the adults should know better as they have no idea how an unknown dog would react.

My dog is fabulous with children, but I would never trust any dog with my children unsupervised by the owner. I think all dogs should be given a bit of space by children they don't know. It doesn't apply to your situation at all, but maybe is a chance to raise a side point, before someone is posting about a dog attack on a child.

[::jojo::]

I saw this post had been included in Annabels email round up and by complete coincidence I found the owner on the Common this morning!! I approached her (with my dog in my arms) and explained exactly what had happened to my dog that day and how serious an attack it was. Her dog was still on the lead and not muzzled - and even tried a lunge at my dog in my arms while I was talking to her - so there is no doubt in my mind that this owner needs to take responsible - and immediate - action so that she and other dog owners can continue to enjoy the freedom of our Common. And I really really hope she does! She was shocked at what had happened to my dog, and very concerned and I just hope she gets the support to help her dog when out in public places. She also has a golden lab which I hadn't spotted on the day. I explained the Yellow Dog charity as well, although given her dogs behavioural issues, I feel that is only the starting point. Dog scraps are what they are but a dog with continued behavioural issues - and a clear intent to injure other dogs - must have them addressed which she did indicate to me she would do.

[Souza]

Dear JoJo,

1. I'm so sorry that your lovely dog had to experience this nasty attack by the black lab. I'm so pleased that he has recovered from his injuries.

2. Dogs - like humans - can display increased nervousness after such an attack- & if this happens - I'd strongly recommend some sessions with a good dog behaviourist to help your dog feel relaxed around other dogs again.

3. My lovely dog & I attend Socialization Classes with a super local dog trainer/behaviourist called Winkie Spiers [www.winkiespiers.com]

4. And the owner of the labs should definitely take her black lab to a good behaviourist such as Winkie - otherwise further attacks will be inevitable!

5. Although not a legal stipulation, the owner of the labs should have offered to pay at least 50% of your vets' fees - as a gesture of good will - & to show that she understands the seriousness of her negligent behaviour.

6. I would send a report to The Wandsworth Dog Warden, Mr Mark Callis. This is not 'telling tales' - but very important. If this dog attacks other innocent dogs - each report submitted to Mark empowers him to apply for appropriate legal powers - such as an order that the lab is kept on a lead & wears a muzzle at all times when in public places.

7. If you don't report this serious incident to Mark Callis, he will be unaware of the history of this black lab - and the owner can claim her dog has never done this before if future attacks occur.

8. Given that the black lab lunged at you when you met up with the female - I'm pretty sure there are going to be further attacks on innocent dogs.

9. Mark Callis, the Wandsworth Dog Warden can be contacted on the following email: dogcontrol@wandsworth.gov.uk

10. It would also be worth copying your email to Wandsworth Parks Police:-

Patrolling mobile: 07500 95 94 42

General enquiries: 020 8871 7532

Email: parkspolice@wandsworth.gov.uk

11. And please never hesitate to dial 999 if you or your dog need emergency assistance in any situation while out walking

[Souza]

My dog was attacked by a Staffie today along Northcote Rd. That dog needs a muzzle too but the owner accepted no responsibility whatsoever so I doubt the dog will be muzzled. I hope it doesn't attack a child next time.

Dear Tilly & Moo - Hi! I'm so sorry to hear that your lovely dog was attacked on Northcote Road. I hope he is OK. I would also encourage you to send an email report to Mr Mark Callis, the Wandsworth Dog Warden stating:-

1. Date, Time & Location on Northcote Road

2. What Happened?

3. Description of the Dog & Owner

Given the terrible attitude of the owner - who I note denied all responsibility - we can be sure that this dog is going to attack other innocent dogs in the borough.

As I mentioned in my post [above] to JoJo - by emailing a report to Mark Callis, the Wandsworth Dog Warden - each incident empowers him to apply for appropriate legal powers to require this dog to be kept on a lead & muzzle at all times when out in public.

The email for the Wandsworth Dog Warden can be found in my message [above] to JoJo. it might be worthy copying your email to Northcote Safer Neighbourhood Team: northcote.snt@met.police.uk

[::jojo::]

Dear Souza

Thank you for all that very useful information - I reported it all at the time as I was concerned for the welfare of other dogs who may innocently approach this dog completely unaware of the potential consequences and will send an update. I agree Winkie would certainly help - my own dog went to her puppy socialization classes and I would highly recommend her.

[Tigermum]

Hi Jo,

You have handed this whole situation calmly and constructively. I am so glad that your dog made a full recovery and that you were able to speak to the owner, it sounds as if you found some closure.

Sensitively, you did not push the issue of Vet bills being paid for, but I think this is important, not for the money, but for the owner to recognize the impact of their actions (so that there is more chance of them rectifying these behaviours in the future). Thank you for such a lovely thread,

Tigermum x