Should Dogs be on a Lead in a Public Place?

ILoveShoez

Hi all.

We live in apartments and the problem I have is this.

There is a person living across from us that owns dogs, if it was small dogs, it wouldn't bother me. But these are GREYHOUNDS! We live in a city.

I am afraid of my life of a child being mauled by these animals.

I said it to the owner about the dogs being on a lead and all I got from him was "Show me that in the rule book!"

:mad::mad:

I have a greyhound.



He doesn't maul anyone. In fact, recently a lamb tried to head-butt him, and he didn't retaliate. My nephew and nieces have always gotten on grand with my guy. Greyhounds tend to get a bad rep, given the size of them. However, anytime I go for a walk with him, it's the smaller dogs who are a lot more aggressive.

I know that my experience of greyhounds differs from yours, but I just wanted to mention that they're not always as dangerous as people think.

Weylin

yes they should,

ILoveShoez

Dónal wrote: »

I have a greyhound.



He doesn't maul anyone. In fact, recently a lamb tried to head-butt him, and he didn't retaliate. My nephew and nieces have always gotten on grand with my guy. Greyhounds tend to get a bad rep, given the size of them. However, anytime I go for a walk with him, it's the smaller dogs who are a lot more aggressive.

I know that my experience of greyhounds differs from yours, but I just wanted to mention that they're not always as dangerous as people think.

Please don't get me wrong - I honestly have nothing against greyhounds. But they are living in the CITY.

ILoveShoez

Weylin wrote: »

yes they should,

So what do I do?

ISDW

ILoveShoez wrote: »

Please don't get me wrong - I honestly have nothing against greyhounds. But they are living in the CITY.

And? Whats your point? Greyhounds are perfect city and apartment dwellers, as they only need a couple of short walks each day.

Tallon

ILoveShoez wrote: »

Please don't get me wrong - I honestly have nothing against greyhounds. But they are living in the CITY.

And?

tk123

ILoveShoez wrote: »

Weylin wrote: »

yes they should,

So what do I do?

What have they done that make you think they're going to 'maul a child'? They need to be under the owners control which doesn't necessarily mean they need to be on a lead.

chughes

I think it's pretty clear here in the 1986 Control of Dogs Act :

http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/1986/en/act/pub/0032/sec0009.html#sec9

Mind you, it must be one of the most flouted laws in Ireland.

ILoveShoez

The owner was not with them initially and they came bounding towards me. I am and will admit that I am REALLY nervous of big dogs as I got attacked by a greyhound when I was younger.

borderlinemeath

ILoveShoez wrote: »

Please don't get me wrong - I honestly have nothing against greyhounds. But they are living in the CITY.

Greyhounds are considered one of the best dogs for apartment living due to the little exercise they require.

Greyhounds or any other dog of any size is not predisposed to attacking a child or adult. However any dog of any breed that isn't socialised with people or other animals or ill treated may through fear attack if they feel under threat.

Did the owner of the greyhound have the dog under effective control? By the way this doesn't mean the dog needs to be on a leash, it means did the owner have control over the bahaviour of the dog, ie did the dog come when called.

monkeypants

I don't have a greyhound, but I've looked after some greyhounds for various people. They're big and lanky and because they chase electric hares for a living, people think that they're fierce. They're not and I'd have a tough time thinking of a lazier animal. Any time I've brought one out for a walk, they've always wanted to cut it short, whereas my lab cross would walk and run all day.

donegal100

Dogs should be on a lead in any public place, by law.

andreac

There is no law to say all dogs must be on a lead at all times, unless its one of the restricted breeds.

Also, a greyhound maul a child, are you serious?? :mad:

ILoveShoez

chughes wrote: »

I think it's pretty clear here in the 1986 Control of Dogs Act :

http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/1986/en/act/pub/0032/sec0009.html#sec9

Mind you, it must be one of the most flouted laws in Ireland.

Thank you.

andreac

donegal100 wrote: »

Dogs should be on a lead in any public place, by law.

NO THEY DONT!!

Jesus i wish people would get their facts right before posting incorrect information!!!

tk123

ILoveShoez wrote: »

The owner was not with them initially and they came bounding towards me. I am and will admit that I am REALLY nervous of big dogs as I got attacked by a greyhound when I was younger.

Ah ok so YOU have the problem then and not the dogs. I would either

1 - politely explain to the owner that you're nervous of them and ask would he mind calling them back when you're passing and stay afraid of them

or

2 - ask the owner to hold them then go and make friends with them and try to get over your fear.

ResearchWill

ILoveShoez wrote: »

The owner was not with them initially and they came bounding towards me. I am and will admit that I am REALLY nervous of big dogs as I got attacked by a greyhound when I was younger.

While the act does not mention leads, unlike the law in relation to dangerous dogs, which I believe the greyhound is not one. The owner must be with the dog and keep the dog under effective control. Many owners have well trained dogs who respond to commands.

The problem is what is effective control, most dog owners believe they effectively control their dogs without a lead. While a person who has a fear of dogs believes that you can not have effective control without lead.

In my opinion any dog owner should at all times be aware of where his dog is, and the effect that the presence of his dog has on other members of the public. I often notice dog owners with dog running free as soon as the see other person they call dog and show the other person that they are in control of the situation.

**Vai**

Personally I think they should be. Doesnt matter what breed or size Im sure its not a great feeling for any parent to have a strange dog approach their child. Im a dog owner and not a parent but sometimes people forget that their little darling is an animal.


And as for the dogs...

chughes

andreac wrote: »

NO THEY DONT!!

Jesus i wish people would get their facts right before posting incorrect information!!!

Was the 1986 Control of Dogs Act repealed ?

seamus

The law does not require that dogs are on a lead in a public place.

The law requires that dogs in a public place must be under effective control. This does not mean that they must be on a lead, however they must be accompanied by someone capable of controlling the animals by command or by lead.

If the dogs are not being left unattended and being allowed to cause hassle, then stop worrying about other people's children and mind your own business. Greyhounds in particular are very chilled out dogs. No dog poses any inherent threat to children unless some idiot allows their child to start pulling and poking at a strange dog.

Bizzum

andreac wrote: »

There is no law to say all dogs must be on a lead at all times, unless its one of the restricted breeds.

Also, a greyhound maul a child, are you serious?? :mad:

What do you make of: Control of Greyhounds section 10, Control of dogs act 1986?


Why wouldn't a Greyhound maul a child in a given set of circumstances?

andreac

chughes wrote: »

Was the 1986 Control of Dogs Act repealed ?

Sorry, im referring to the normal control of dogs act. The Greyhound one is different.

donegal100

Re dog on lead, point taken, however, they must be "under control at all times"
See below from Cork Co Co on dogs...

Dog Owners' Responsibilities
If you hold a dog, it is your responsibility to do the following:

• Hold a current licence for the dog - refer to Licensing page for more information.
• Ensure the dog wears collar identification.
• Keep the dog under control at all times, other than when the dog is on its owner's premises.
• Comply with Regulations for Listed Breeds - refer to Restricted Breeds page for more information
• Prevent the dog from worrying livestock. In this regard, it is imperative that the dog is under your control at night, and that you know where the dog is.
• Clean up after your dog when it fouls in public place - refer to Dog Fouling page for more information.
• Give your name and address when requested to do so by a dog warden.

Dog Identification

At all times, dogs must wear a collar bearing the name and the address of the owner inscribed on it or on a plate, badge or disc. Failure to have collar identification on a dog can result in an on-the-spot fine issued by a dog warden. Failure to pay this fine within a specific period can result in prosecution by your local authority.

ResearchWill

Bizzum wrote: »

What do you make of: Control of Greyhounds section 10, Control of dogs act 1986?


Why wouldn't a Greyhound maul a child in a given set of circumstances?

I stand correct, I did not read section 10, it would indeed seem that a greyhound must not only be on a lead it must sufficiently strong chain or leash.


Control of greyhounds.

10.—(1) A person shall not permit a greyhound to be in any public place unless such greyhound is being led by means of a sufficiently strong chain or leash.

andreac

Bizzum wrote: »

What do you make of: Control of Greyhounds section 10, Control of dogs act 1986?


Why wouldn't a Greyhound maul a child in a given set of circumstances?

Sure that can be said about any dog off the lead then...:rolleyes:

chughes

andreac wrote: »

Sorry, im referring to the normal control of dogs act. The Greyhound one is different.

I would consider being on a lead as effective control. How would you define effective control ?

andreac

chughes wrote: »

I would consider being on a lead as effective control. How would you define effective control ?

It doesnt matter what YOU consider, the law is as it is, and it doesnt say being on a lead.

thebullkf

andreac wrote: »

There is no law to say all dogs must be on a lead at all times, unless its one of the restricted breeds.

Also, a greyhound maul a child, are you serious?? :mad:

andreac wrote: »

NO THEY DONT!!

Jesus i wish people would get their facts right before posting incorrect information!!!

jeez relax, you come across as narky and shouty;)

ResearchWill wrote: »

While the act does not mention leads, unlike the law in relation to dangerous dogs, which I believe the greyhound is not one. The owner must be with the dog and keep the dog under effective control. Many owners have well trained dogs who respond to commands.

The problem is what is effective control, most dog owners believe they effectively control their dogs without a lead. While a person who has a fear of dogs believes that you can not have effective control without lead.

In my opinion any dog owner should at all times be aware of where his dog is, and the effect that the presence of his dog has on other members of the public. I often notice dog owners with dog running free as soon as the see other person they call dog and show the other person that they are in control of the situation.

in a nutshell.^^

Majority of dogs off lead in parks are not under effective control, hell some of them on-lead aren't either:pac:

ISDW

chughes wrote: »

I would consider being on a lead as effective control. How would you define effective control ?

Really? I have seen many dogs on leads and most definitely not under effective control.

Bizzum

andreac wrote: »

Sorry, im referring to the normal control of dogs act. The Greyhound one is different.

The "normal" one is the 1986 Control of Dogs Act, Section 10 of this act refers specifically to Greyhounds.
I'm not sure what you mean by "The Greyhound one is different"?

Tranceypoo

chughes wrote: »

I would consider being on a lead as effective control. How would you define effective control ?

Well it's how the law defines 'effective control', not how andreac defines it!! Plus for greyhounds I believe there is a difference in the law when referring to racing greyhounds which I believe must be muzzled in public and kept on a lead, and pet/non racing greyhounds.

**Vai**

andreac wrote: »

Sure that can be said about any dog off the lead then...:rolleyes:

And should be said. They are not evil animals but these things happen.

RustyNut

andreac wrote: »

Also, a greyhound maul a child, are you serious?? :mad:

Is this serious

chughes

ISDW wrote: »

Really? I have seen many dogs on leads and most definitely not under effective control.

OK, I'll rephrase. I would consider a responsible and competent person holding the lead to be effective control.

I'd still like to hear other definitions of effective control.

andreac

Rustynut, are you going to start quoting incidents of anyone and everyone who has been attacked/mauled by all sorts of dogs??

The dog hasnt done anything wrong, the owner is at fault. The OP needs to speak to the owner and take it from there.

andreac

chughes wrote: »

OK, I'll rephrase. I would consider a responsible and competent person holding the lead to be effective control.

I'd still like to hear other definitions of effective control.

It doesnt matter about other or our definitions as they wouldnt stand up in a court of law.

The OP asked do dogs have to be on a lead in a public place and the answer is NO.

Bizzum

andreac wrote: »

The OP asked do dogs have to be on a lead in a public place and the answer is NO.

The OP asked do GREYHOUNDS have to be on a lead in a public place and the answer is YES.

ResearchWill

andreac wrote: »

It doesnt matter about other or our definitions as they wouldnt stand up in a court of law.

The OP asked do dogs have to be on a lead in a public place and the answer is NO.

While that was the general question of the OP, the specific question related to greyhounds, where the answer is yes.

Tranceypoo

Bizzum wrote: »

The OP asked do GREYHOUNDS have to be on a lead in a public place and the answer is YES.

But isn't it only RACING greyhounds this applies to, a pet/non racing greyhound it 'just another pet dog' (for want of a better phrase)

ResearchWill

Tranceypoo wrote: »

But isn't it only RACING greyhounds this applies to, a pet/non racing greyhound it 'just another pet dog' (for want of a better phrase)

The act says,

10.—(1) A person shall not permit a greyhound to be in any public place unless such greyhound is being led by means of a sufficiently strong chain or leash.

(2) A person shall not lead or cause or permit to be led by any one person more than four greyhounds at a time in any public place.

In the interpretation section,

“greyhound” includes any whippet and any strain or cross of greyhound or whippet;

It does not say racing or registered etc, so on the plain reading of the Act, it seems to cover any greyhound or whippet or cross.

Bizzum

Tranceypoo wrote: »

But isn't it only RACING greyhounds this applies to, a pet/non racing greyhound it 'just another pet dog' (for want of a better phrase)

Section 10 of the '86 Act uses the term "Greyhound", there is no memtion of what the dog does for a living:).
Maybe there is mention in other legislation Eg. the 1958 Act, but I don't know of any!

Tranceypoo

Bizzum wrote: »

Section 10 of the '86 Act uses the term "Greyhound", there is no memtion of what the dog does for a living:).
Maybe there is mention in other legislation Eg. the 1958 Act, but I don't know of any!

I would imagine this would be 'open to interpretation' as most of these 'laws' seem to be.

I think the best advice was to approach the owner and mention your fear etc from another poster

RustyNut

andreac wrote: »

Rustynut, are you going to start quoting incidents of anyone and everyone who has been attacked/mauled by all sorts of dogs??

The dog hasnt done anything wrong, the owner is at fault. The OP needs to speak to the owner and take it from there.

I was replying to a post which insinuated that a greyhound would never attack a child, I know it's the owners fault but given the right circumstances any dog will attack.

IMHO anybody that allows a dog to approach people without checking if it's ok is just plane irresponsible.

Greyhounds might be generally passive lazy pets but if you are a kid and are approached by a dog that's the same size as you it can be a terrifying experience.

seamus

Maybe there is mention in other legislation Eg. the 1958 Act, but I don't know of any!

No, the interpretation is for the breed itself of greyhound. Animals legislation is written only from the point of view of commercial interests, not with regard to keeping animals as pets. Hence why we have so little of it.

The specific restrictions on greyhounds (which also prevents anyone from leading more than four at a time) are because I understand that trained racing greyhounds will basically bolt and chase anything small which runs past them; like a cat. Legislators would never consider that someone would keep a greyhound for anything other than racing :rolleyes:

This legislation, coupled with the common practice of muzzling greyhounds just in case they catch a cat (they're quick!) leads people to believe that greyhounds are dangerous. By jaysus they're not.

Bizzum

Tranceypoo wrote: »

I would imagine this would be 'open to interpretation' as most of these 'laws' seem to be.

Looks clear enough to me!

borderlinemeath

While there appears to be an (out of date and unneccessary imo) clause in the control of dogs act for greyhounds, the OP seemingly has issues with any large dogs. They state they don't mind small dogs being kept in their apartment block.

If approached by (for example) a great dane or an irish wolfhound which are considerably bigger than a greyhound they would display the same hysteria and no such by laws apply to these breeds (and rightly so)

I notice the OP hasn't returned to the thread but I would hope that they will address their fears as greyhounds can be the most loveable of dogs - as can any dog in the right environment.

I always fear that people who are afraid of dogs or any other animals is that they will pass this fear on to others or worse still their children if they have any.

are you serious

andreac wrote: »

It doesnt matter about other or our definitions as they wouldnt stand up in a court of law.

The OP asked do dogs have to be on a lead in a public place and the answer is NO.

Bizzum wrote: »

The OP asked do GREYHOUNDS have to be on a lead in a public place and the answer is YES.

Tranceypoo wrote: »

But isn't it only RACING greyhounds this applies to, a pet/non racing greyhound it 'just another pet dog' (for want of a better phrase)

Have a look at the Thread title... This little arguement will sort itself!! :rolleyes:


I dont think all dogs should be on leads in a Public Place at all times. Think of it like this for me and anyone else who works shifts, On any given morning I walk my dog at about 6am, there is never anyone and I literally mean nobody around so my dog is let off the leash to run around on his own. Now change my shift and I walk him at 3pm and the local park is full so he stays on leash...

OP as has been previously said it is the owner you need to have a word with, his dogs are clearly friendly, my reason for thinking this is as in one of your posts you say they bounded up towards you without him in sight.. if these were dangerous/mad/crazy/wild/man eaters they would have attacked you. But..... they didnt!!!

Have a chat with him and sort it out

On a larger scale, we(on boards) are but a few small people in this big war of words about dogs on leads!! There will always be people out there willing to break this law and many more others!!!

Bullseye1

When walking close to roads or on pedestrian footpaths it's best practice to have your dog on the lead. If your in the forest or at the beach and your dog is good on recall I see no problem with allowing your dog run free.

Cherry Blossom

NO MORE SHOUTING AT EACH OTHER PEOPLE!!!!

Bizzum

ILoveShoez wrote: »

But these are GREYHOUNDS!

I said it to the owner about the dogs being on a lead and all I got from him was "Show me that in the rule book!":mad::mad:

The above quote is from the OP.


"Show me that in the rule book" the OP was asked.

And I did.
Case closed:).