Aggressive neighbourhood dogs

LegacyUser

I'm really sorry if I shouldn't be posting this here but it is a personal issue and I also am fairly identifiable under my user name.

The people who live at the end of my street own what is basically a pack of big dogs who they allow to roam free, day and night. I don't think it's right to allow dogs to roam if only for their own safety but wasn't going to make a fuss about it while it wasn't a problem. Initially the dogs were very territorial over their own end of the street and behaved aggressively toward anyone walking past their house. They never attacked but barked and chased anyone passing away. I've definitely witnessed people avoiding that end of the street because of them.

But in the last few months they have decided that the entire street is their territory and bark at anyone trying to pass, and they are especially territorial at night. I used to have little problem with them as I usually don't use their street exit and enter and leave my street via a laneway that means I don't pass their house. But as winter set in I avoid the lane at night because it's not at all lit so doesn't feel safe.

I first experienced a problem about 10 weeks ago, when I was going out on a Friday night. I was running a bit late so I was jogging/running as I left my garden. The dogs started barking and ran at me, so I slowed to a walk so they wouldn't think they were chasing me. I'm experienced with dogs and know how they interpret body language so I was trying to be careful not to show fear, I spoke to them calmly and tried to stay relaxed but they sort of circled around me aggressively, barking an growling. These are huge very strong dogs and I know if they attacked I'd be lucky to end up badly mauled. Luckily at that point a car pulled up and distracted them and I got off the street and didn't think a huge amount about it.

A couple of weeks later I was going out in the evening after dark and the same thing happened, except that they came closer and were more aggressive. I was stopped behind a parked car while two of the dogs were on either side of it not allowing me to pass. This time after a minute a neighbour left his house and helped frighten them off. I couldn't leave the street but I was able to get back in home. Last night, about 7pm, I was trying to go back home and they wouldn't let me on to the street. I had to go back out onto the main road and take the long route home along a dark laneway (I'm female, which I think makes a difference.) Even then as I got around to my front door they started running at me, barking. I was nearly crying by the time I got inside. Then later on at about 10pm I tried to go out my front gate and they started barking and ran straight at me, causing me to just go straight back in home. Afaik, the dogs have never actually attacked anyone yet, but I really don't want to take the chance that I will be the first.

Ideally I'd go talk to their owners but I can't get anywhere near their house because the dogs won't let me. I don't want anything bad to happen to the dogs, I just want to be able to enter and exit my home safely, but I broke today and called the dog warden. But they told me they can't do anything. I really don't understand that. It's illegal to let your dogs roam alone. Additionally these dogs are a breed that is required by law to be on a lead and a muzzle at all times. I thought the Control of Dogs Act gave the warden the powers to deal with this type of issue.

I'm feeling sick about it and don't know what to do about it next. I have been told by some of my neighbours that the dog warden has been complained to by other living here and people who often walk along this street. Apparently he did come out once but it only made a difference temporarily. I'm really not sure what to do next but I can't let this carry on. Worse than me not being able to get in and out freely is the fear I have that one day they will attack and seriously hurt someone and it will be my fault for not ensuring something was done about it. I also feel really bad for the dogs because this isn't actually their fault. They are left out alone so much that they are just doing what comes naturally in defending their perceived territory. I would hate that they end up destroyed due to this.

ppink

Unfortunately in this country of ours you need to be fairly persistant at times to get your basic rights. If I were you I would contact the Dog Warden immediately, then the Gardai, then my local councillors and I would keep calling all of them until it was sorted. The more you nag the more chance of it being resolved. They will not give your name and if you live in an estate it could be anyone complaining.
it is a horrible situation to be in because of some ignorant folk but only you can sort it for yourself.

andreac

Call the local dog warden and report it. They will look into it.

humanji

I'm not positive, but I thought that it's against the control of dogs act to have a pack of dogs wandering the streets with no owner supervision. Call the warden again and again and again. The animals have gotten a pack mentality and it's a matter of when, not if, they'll attack someone.

Whispered

humanji wrote: »

I'm not positive, but I thought that it's against the control of dogs act to have a pack of dogs wandering the streets with no owner supervision.

you're right.

OP if the warden said there is nothing he can do he's lying. Call again, if he says there is nothing he can do, take his name and let him know you are contacting the guards in that case.

johnser

What a bad situation to be in. As a responsible owner of a big dog, I'm more than aware of how some people see big dogs.

Unfortunatly there are owners out there who buy these dogs as fashion statements and have no clue how to look after the dogs or are breed aware to their traits. Instead of putting the time into them, the novality wears off this is what we're left with.

I think that only thing you can do is to keep a diary of yours and other peoples interactions with these dogs. Keep calling the wardens and also try and compile some video evidence of their behavour. Also Under the Control of Dogs act and also the Dangerous Dogs Act (if these breeds are covered under this act) they are to be under the control of their owners at all times. If a dog is found wandering on their own, the Warden has the power to impound the dog.

Its these irresponsible owners who ruin a breeds reputation.

dan_d

That's truly horrible OP.
Doesn't matter what the breed is, the pack mentality sets in and it's not good.
Keep ringing.Keep pestering.Local TD, whatever it takes. That is just completely beyond the bounds of what is acceptable as a pet owner.Someone will get hurt here, it's only a matter of time.

nyarlothothep

I too know the aggravation of frightening dog encounters so you have my sympathy OP. The dogs aren't the problem, its the moronic owners who anthropomorphize these animals or who are just feckless selfish idiots. I would go after them in a big way, this situation is a complete joke, make it a crusade, there are way too many irresponsible owners in this country and that needs to change.

Knasher

kiblles wrote: »

Ideally I'd go talk to their owners but I can't get anywhere near their house because the dogs won't let me.

You could always just write them a letter, anonymously if you like, saying that this is the only way you have of getting in contact with them. They may just ignore it or they may be perfectly reasonable people who are just unaware of the pest their dogs are making of themselves.

After that, if the animal control won't help, then its onto the community gardai. (or, if you can find them maybe you can hire ... the a-team - sorry couldn't resist)

tinkerbell

OP, I didn't read your whole post but if there are dogs roaming around freely then you should ring up the gardaí and the dog warden. They will sort it out.

I'd have to agree with previous posters. Call the gardai. The warden should deal with the dogs but that's not the issue here. The issue is irresponsible owners. The warden can't arrest them but the gardai can at least scare them into doing something about letting aggressive dogs roam free. It's the gardai you want.

I know you probably aren't sure about calling the gards on the owners when you haven't talked to them yourself yet, but do. What if it was some small 14 year old walking down your street? I'd be surprised if anything less than serious action by the gardai would change the situation. Intimidation is something you should never have to deal with, never mind on a daily basis or on your own street.

gimme5minutes

Ring the warden and tell them you have him on record saying that he cant do anything about these dogs and tell him he will be up in court for criminal negligence when these dogs maul a kid.

johnboysligo

dog warden > gardaí > local councilperson in that order and keep records of each conversation

dog warden doesn't want to help? call the gardaí.
Gardaí dont want to help? call local councilperson
Councilperson dont help? call local radio station / newspaper

It wont take long before the moron owner is forced to keep the animals under control or relinquish them to someone ( warden will most likely put them down gardaí will call warden to have them put down and councilperson will call both to ask why you are afraid to walk on your own street and radio station / newspaper will call everyone under the sun :P)

Fox McCloud

I think you should first send them a letter, either anon or with your details.. depends on what kind of reaction you think you might get. Explain the situation to them and ask them too keep there dogs in as they are agressive to strangers.

Point out that you really dont want them put down, and that there is a serious risk of that happening if they act agressively with a child or something.

If nothing happens then I guess you have to call the dog warrden/guards. Maybe try whatever animal welfare centres are in your area too. I'm sure they will try help the owners look after there animals or rehome them over getting them out down

tk123

kiblles wrote: »

I broke today and called the dog warden. But they told me they can't do anything. I really don't understand that. It's illegal to let your dogs roam alone.

Why the bloody hell am I paying for a dog license then!? :mad: :rolleyes: Somebody I know had their dog taken to the pound because he'd escaped and taken himself to the park so the warden CAN do something.

I would maybe send them an anon letter with a printout of the control of dogs act and then if there's no joy get back on to the warden/gardai. If they love the dogs they won't want any harm coming to them.

I have a golden retriever and when we're out on walks you can clearly see who knows he's a friendly puppy and who thinks he's going to snap his lead and maul them and their kids or snappy little dogs to death. Regardless of the fact that he wouldn't hurt a fly some people are just afraid of dogs and as an owner it's my duty to keep him under control.

As a stop gap as you don't feel safe you could maybe go to the pet shop and get something like a Clix alram - it's like a little airhorn that would fit in your pocket/bag that should scare them away.

username123

Whispered wrote: »

OP if the warden said there is nothing he can do he's lying. Call again, if he says there is nothing he can do, take his name and let him know you are contacting the guards in that case.

+1 - also let him know you are contacting the local councillers - the dog warden is employed by the local council.

I had a case with an aggressive stray before and the dog warden promised he would turn up for 4 days running, no sign of him. On the 5th day I phoned a local counciller and went BALLISTIC on the phone. 20 minutes later the dog warden was on my doorstep.

In addition, if I were you I would contact my neighbours and try to present a unified front of neighbours to local councillers and the guards - the more people that make noise, the more likely something will be done.

In law a dog attack is considered an assault so the owners can be done in a criminal court if the dogs attack you. Its worth remembering that the dogs intimidating you is the same as being threatened - report it to the guards.

The owners should not have dogs at all if this is how they allow them to behave - its irresponsible and a total disgrace in a civilised society. It happened in a place I used to live, neglected dogs formed an aggressive pack. No one listened until a jogger was taken to the ground by 5 dogs and badly mauled.

CorkMan

Call the dog warden again and if he doesn't reply, get on the blower to the gardaí.

I remember when I was 9-10 years of age walking down a street and a owner always let her gate open when there was a dog who was inbetween medium-large size. This was at the top of some steps too. The dog would always chase me but one time I fell down about 15 steps.

Nothing bad happened but I did fall over a couple of times. If I had the same wits back then which I have now I would have been on the blower to sue the stupid owner of this dog. When I was 5-6 years old there was a large dog at the top of an owner steps, outside his door who wasn't leashed he bit me once :mad:

Wagon

I think I know the breed you're talking about. Great dogs, but they need to be trained and kept under supervision. These one's ain't in the slightest so they've gone to their pack mentality. Get the dog warden on the blower, tell the dozy fúcker to get off his arse and if he doesn't, call the guards.

I can nearly guarantee the first person injured (or worse) by these dogs will be a child as they are most vulnerable. And dogs can't tell the difference between another dog and small person sometimes.

LegacyUser

Thanks for all the replies. I definitely don't think the dogwarden has come out yet, and if he has they have ignored him as the dogs have been out a number of times since I called. Fortunately though, they do seem to be being kept in more often since the snow started again.

My husband is going to try to call into them during the Xmas break. He works away a lot, so hasn't been here regularly enough recently to try before now. I'm not sure how far he'll get but he's going to give it a go. If he can't manage to get to the house we will try the letter, idea.

The thing is, while I'm terrified of them, I don't blame the dogs for what is happening an I would hate for them to be destroyed while they could still be good pets if they were taken more in hand. I suspect that the dog warden will ignore me unless I kick up a big stink and if I do kick up a big stink they will act disproportionately and the dogs will suffer.

That said, as much as I want the dogs to be able to live I need to not be scared to go home by what should be the safest route. And as someone said, it's very possible that a child could be badly hurt.

LegacyUser

As far as I know, any dog that is in a public place and not under its owners supervision is classified as a stray. I would ring the dspca or another charity and maybe get some advice off them. I know theyre jam packed with dogs up there so would be reluctant to seize the dogs if they arent being mistreated but you never know. It doesnt sound like the owner should have those dogs.

JimmyCrackCorn

Whispered wrote: »

you're right.

OP if the warden said there is nothing he can do he's lying. Call again, if he says there is nothing he can do, take his name and let him know you are contacting the guards in that case.

If there are no licences then they can be picked up.

If they are licensed and running free also an offence.

Dog wardens often don't want to deal with confrontation im guessing there's likely to be confrontation which is why they are avoiding this.

Any other solution means a day in court i suggest you put pressure on the warden.

LegacyUser

kiblles wrote: »

Thanks for all the replies. I definitely don't think the dogwarden has come out yet, and if he has they have ignored him as the dogs have been out a number of times since I called. Fortunately though, they do seem to be being kept in more often since the snow started again.

My husband is going to try to call into them during the Xmas break. He works away a lot, so hasn't been here regularly enough recently to try before now. I'm not sure how far he'll get but he's going to give it a go. If he can't manage to get to the house we will try the letter, idea.

The thing is, while I'm terrified of them, I don't blame the dogs for what is happening an I would hate for them to be destroyed while they could still be good pets if they were taken more in hand. I suspect that the dog warden will ignore me unless I kick up a big stink and if I do kick up a big stink they will act disproportionately and the dogs will suffer.

That said, as much as I want the dogs to be able to live I need to not be scared to go home by what should be the safest route. And as someone said, it's very possible that a child could be badly hurt.

I think your being too soft, your afraid to tackle it properly because you dont want the dogs destroyed but at the end of the day id rather a dog die than a child. These dogs are on the rb list, this means they are danerous in the wrong hands, and by the sound of it they are in the wrong hands. By the way I love dogs, own 2 and one of them is on the rb list.

ppink

Have to say I agree with too soft. If it were me and a child ended up mauled I would question my decision for ever. You know there is an issue. This will not magic away unless someone does something about it...well it is unlikely. I hope it does for all concerned but I doubt it. if they are that ignorant that they allow restricted breed dogs loose in an estate and in a pack I highly doubt a quiet word or a letter will bother them.
If people in this country stood up an shouted more it would put an end to these retards having dogs loose.
As regards the dogs suffering; a dogs life or a human one there is only one choice there.

Whispered

OP if the owners are as bad as it seems, as in aggressive themselves, is it a good idea for your husband to call in? Maybe start with a letter to avoid confrontation?

It makes me so annoyed when dog owners add to the bad name of their chosen breed. I have to say though - It's really nice to see a thread about dogs of a certain breed where the majority of posters don't buy into this "oh they're on a silly made up list therefore they are dangerous" nonsense. Fact is - any dog can be dangerous in the wrong hands and it's great to see most people here agree with that. As an owner of a dog on that list, you sometimes feel like you are fighting a loosing battle against ignorance. It really is heartwarming to see comments like "it's not the dogs fault" etc on the thread, and fair play to you op for feeling like that.

I like the suggestion of contacting a local counciller. It sounds like the way to go if the warden and guards dont take you seriously.

It might be a good idea to know how best to react to an agressive dog. Most dogs wont bite a human unprovoked. the best thing to do is to stay calm, stand tall and confident, and walk (not run) away. Don't look directly at the dogs or make sudden movements. It's a disgrace that you might have to take those steps outside your own home - but they might come in handy.

LegacyUser

complain the dog warden in writing to the manager of the council. if they dont act then complain the council to the ombudsman nenclosing copy of letter. copy your complaint to council to local garda super. do not waste time making phone calls they can deny getting them

CorkMan

IMO they should be put away immediately. Either the owner keeps them out the back garden or they get taken away.

The owner should get a fine too IMO.

humanji

humanji wrote: »

I'm not positive, but I thought that it's against the control of dogs act to have a pack of dogs wandering the streets with no owner supervision. Call the warden again and again and again. The animals have gotten a pack mentality and it's a matter of when, not if, they'll attack someone.

If this is the case, can someone post the relevant sections so the OP can quote them to the dog warden?

Whispered

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/environment/animal_welfare_and_control/control_of_dogs.html

OP might find relevant info here.

calibelle

Have you contacted the local ispca? They can send out an inspector to check up on the dogs care and well being and will speak to the owners about the legal obligations. They can and will seize the dogs or check back on them in future. A dog always has to be under it's owners control which they obviously aren't.

Freddie59

Under NO circumstances contact these people directly. They will make your life a misery. Believe me. Do everything anonymously. Idiot dog owners (and before anyone starts I own a dog myself).

Probably small man syndrome yet again.

Run_to_da_hills

There is another way around this problem.

Get some large bones from your local butcher and regularly give them to the offending dog when passing. After a while it will wag its tail at you rather than show aggression.

It works well with a mut at the end of our road.

steel_spine

Run_to_da_hills wrote: »

There is another way around this problem.

Get some large bones from your local butcher and regularly give them to the offending dog when passing. After a while it will wag its tail at you rather than show aggression.

It works well with a mut at the end of our road.

This might work with one dog, but a pack of ill-trained dogs scrapping over a couple of bones would probably not work out so well. Also being mobbed by a load of dogs, even friendly, wouldn't be much fun all the time.

mikemac

A bad situation.

In a rural area if a dog strays onto farm land and bothers animals it'd be shot, no questions asked! Every garda and district court judge would back you up

This doesn't apply to you OP and they haven't entered your property
In a street or estate well you can't discharge a shotgun obviously unless you want the ERU scrambling to your front door.

There are a lot of good councillors out there and the warden works for the council. If you are getting no satisfaction then get onto your councillors, they can be helpful