People not controlling their dogs.

getoutadodge

Tricky one for me as I like dogs and, were my circumstances different, would love to have one. However, small homes and dogs don't make sense to me and I am not prepared to spend every day scraping dog shite on the necessary twice daily dog run. I'm sympathetic to owners who want to let dogs off leads if the location and environment allow. Common sense should apply rather than the tyrannical application I saw in places like Australia. But equally I understand that some people are genuinely fearful of dogs ..especially if they out with toddlers. Sometimes I encounter an aggressive dog off lead while on my bike but apply the old fashioned solution i.e. get my speed right and aim for a good swift kick in the mutt. Then again I always wear work boots and have my trusty e bike chariot to zoom away pretty rapid. Skankers worry me far far more than our furry friends😎

Wishbone Ash

Skankers worry me far far more than our furry friends😎

Skangers don't tend to frequent rural boreens waiting for cyclists to pass!

ted1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118078179#Comment_118078179

killiney hill is an off lead park.

Green Finers

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058214472/people-not-controlling-there-dogs

Next time cycle with steel toe shoes.

Kick the dog in the head.

Pawwed Rig

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118648250#Comment_118648250

Not the dogs fault to be fair. It is a pity that kicking the owners in the head is frowned upon.

Wishbone Ash

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118648225#Comment_118648225

Perhaps it is but, as you will see from my post, I said 'in my area'.

Killiney Hill ain't anywhere near me.

triggermortis

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118650530#Comment_118650530

Ardgillan has an off-lead field that I take my guy to most days. You'd be surprised by the number of people walking there who don't like dogs, even though there are big signs stating it's an off-lead area, and still have to give out that the dog is running around not on a lead!

Pawwed Rig

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118655628#Comment_118655628

Generally if a dog is off lead they need to be "under control". The issue is that most don't seem to understand what under control means. If you don't have immediate recall with a dog it shouldn't be off lead.

plodder

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118657068#Comment_118657068

But, the point of the off lead area is specifically to allow dogs to run around and socialise with other dogs. Having those areas makes it easier for staff to police the rest of the parks and make sure that dogs are on lead elsewhere. Granted the area in Ardgillan is massive and has probably been part of walking routes that people have been using for years. But, you'd hope common sense applies and so long as dogs aren't bothering other people, it should be okay for them to run around free. My Mrs came across a family having a picnic on the grass in the offlead area of Malahide Castle. I assume they weren't there actually looking for trouble, and just didn't notice the signs at the entrance.

Pawwed Rig

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118662644#Comment_118662644

If dogs aren't bothering other people then there is no issue. There is a dog area in our local park which is fenced in that owners can bring juvenile or untrained dogs. In a public area they should not be off lead if the owner cannot control them (i.e. immediate recall). Our park allows dogs off lead at certain times under the bylaws however they specify "under control". I am not sure what Ardgillan bylaws say but I would assume something similar

Heading should be "people not controlling THEIR dogs" not "there" dogs. Pedantic I know but there you go !

coolbeans

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118079657#Comment_118079657

I'd say your dog is leaving 'presents' all over the place when it's off the lead. You're a prime example of a problem dog owner. There are also of course name by-laws ask over the place governing leads on dogs but of course, for the likes of you at least, such rules are for others.

TLDR control your animal, you're not special.

headtheball14

I have a dote of a dog who is just not happy around other dogs. I'm working every day to get her over this , have a trainer etc. And I make a bit of progress then at least once a week I have an off leash dog approaching her.

No the dogs haven't been hurt but she drags the arm off me trying to get them and it sets us back to the start again. She's worked up and bouncing off the walls afterwards. And the owner tells me it's a public place or their dog is docile or if she bites their dog it's alright. No it's not alright. I'm minding my dog can you just try to do the same?

If someone asks you to leash your dog can you just do it and not be an arse. I love dogs but not their owners

Weepsie

Title edited it was annoying me

Dyr

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118065069#Comment_118065069

What about people who are afraid of bicycles, cars and so forth? O crows? Should we accomodate them in some way?

There's no law that requires that all dogs be leashed in public, they just need to be under effective control.

If you're afraid of dogs that your issue to deal with. Not dog owners

Weepsie

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118664387#Comment_118664387

And if a dog is bothering a pedestrian or cyclist as is so often the casez they're not under control.

The rest of your post is complete nonsense and doesn't deserve a response

cletus

Thank you so much to the person who corrected the title. It was like a cheese grater to the eyes 😁

Wishbone Ash

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118664387#Comment_118664387

What an utterly stupid post. Do you really need someone to tell you that that bicycles and cars are inanimate objects? Just when you think that you've heard it all on Boards.ie, some idiot will be sure to come along to dispel that notion.

plodder

Just checked the Fingal byelaws and I'd imagine they are similar in other counties. Dogs have to be on leash in all the bigger parks, except in designated off-leash areas. In small local parks/green areas, they are allowed off leash. Dogs have to be under effective control at all times.

PsychoPete

Where I bring my dogs to walk there's at least 10 signs saying keep your dog on a lead but of course many people tend to ignore them. It should be an offence to have a dog off a lead in public and preferably some kind of on the spot fine unless it's some kind of designated dog park. I was out with the dogs last week, this dog comes running for one of mine trying to bite him. This woman comes running along saying "Sorry, sorry", I absolutely lost it with her. She puts the dog on a lead, walks it a few feet then leaves it off the lead again

Green Finers

There’s a road I cycle on frequently which has a shared footpath / running parallel to a “cycle lane”.

It’s festooned with buggies, joggers, people walking 4 or more abreast straddling the cycle lane and extendible dog leads stretched across it.

It’s almost exclusively women btw.

So I ignore the cycle lane and use the normal road instead. I feel guilty blocking traffic but it’s annoying for me otherwise.

Seth Brundle

I feel guilty blocking traffic but it’s annoying for me otherwise.

On the road, you are part of traffic and you are travelling in a completely legal manner. As for blocking people in cars, etc. they'll arrive at a red light shortly so I wouldn't feel that bad for them

Dyr

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118666164#Comment_118666164

There's far more people killed and injured by ianimate cars and bikes then there are by dogs, point being if you have a fear of an everyday object its not really other peoples issue.

Dyr

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118666390#Comment_118666390

Are they the public parks that you're also not allowed cycle in?

Won't see much whinging about the cyclists who ignore that particular byelaw in here 😂

Weepsie

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118669670#Comment_118669670

You nean the ones in which fingal changed their bye laws for in 2008 to allow cycling in their parks.

Some have prohibition on certains parts but they , once again, changes their own laws nearly 15 years ago.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118668385#Comment_118668385

And how many people have been killed by bicycles? And how many by dogs? The answer for the first is definitely lower than the second.

If we go to the UK there's a handful of deaths at the hands of bikes over a particular period in which there are close to 60 by dogs.

You don't know what you're talking about so you should drop it

plodder

Cyclists have to give way to pedestrians, but they are allowed as far as I can tell.

Wishbone Ash

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118668385#Comment_118668385

Cars don't injure/kill people. They do not have a mind of their own.

Keep digging.....

homer911

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118673292#Comment_118673292

I'm sure there are plenty of instances of mechanical failure causing death

Wishbone Ash

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118674311#Comment_118674311

95% of incidences are due to driver error. Of the other 5%, most are environmental but it could be argued that they are also due to driver error - i.e. motorists not adapting their driving to suit the prevailing conditions. Mechanical failure comprises of a tiny percentage of incidents and even then, how many caused by poor maintenance/servicing etc?

(And these are for all incidents - fatal incidences would only be a small percentage of all incidences).

twiddleypop

Not a cyclist but also sick of people not controlling their dogs. I was verbally abused in the Phoenix park this morning for asking someone to call their dog. I was running with mine and could just tell this dog was going to try run with us/trip us as it has happened before (I fell over a boxer before as he side tackled my dog- he came out from behind trees). My dogs not friendly but not really aggressive, I just prefer if strange dogs don't fly at him as he is nervous enough.

The guy had headphones in and was 40 foot away so I was shouting at him by the time he heard me. Asked nicely the first three times. He said I was a stupid bitch and a drama queen. So that's just the attitude of some dog owners. Their dog is entitled to do what they want. Doesn't matter if my dog is fearful, your child is terrified, there is a blind person with a guide dog or he knocks you off your bike or bites you. He said it was his problem if he didn't like other dogs, so I guess its your problem if your cycling and fall off due to an out of control dog. Maybe I'm supposed to never bring my dog out if he's not friendly or maybe you should not cycle if you are afraid of dogs.

Seriously though, if your dog is off lead, you should be able to call it back without hesitation or complaint- thats effective control. Not saying he's friendly or just a puppy or just wants to play- those owners are the bane of my existence. I shouldn't have to explain why .

Give me an in control reactive dog with a sensible owner over a friendly untrained dog with an entitled asshole owner any day of the week.

hkjohn

Our 6-month old Labrador puppy just jumped up and knocked over a neighbor - an old lady in her early 80s - while she was visiting us in our garden. While she doesn't blame the dog, she's had to go to hospital for X-rays for a sore shoulder

FWIW, the dog is being taught by a trainer. Given that she is so young, she is over-excitable but not aggressive.

What are the possible repercussions here? It would break my heart if the dog had to be put down.

cletus

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119656539#Comment_119656539

Think you might be in the wrong forum for your question. This is the cycling forum, and the thread you posted in was started to give out about people not controlling their dogs...

Squidgy Black

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119656539#Comment_119656539

Not the right place but ‘destruction orders’ aka put down are generally only for bites as it has to be deemed as an attack.

hkjohn

Thanks for the feedback.

apols for posting in the wrong forum - teach

me for using searc rather than forum titles

ted1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118650530#Comment_118650530

Why would it have to be put down ? That’s a strange thought..

CramCycle

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119656539#Comment_119656539

Not be put down but you will be liable for any damages and costs. Presuming she is sound and no serious injury, then nothing really

Doe Tiden

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118666390#Comment_118666390

Any of the bye laws I’ve read state effectual control not effective control, this means if a dog has a steady recall he is ok off lead, I’ve always walked my dogs in the woods, and my fellas will always come back to the whistle.

just because someone is walking with a dog off lead doesn’t mean they’re breaking any law,

Hurrache

It's an argument that regularly comes up alright, lead bye-laws are not the same as effective control like you say.

Some people will come purposely come looking for an argument with you if you don't have your dogs on leads in public.

plodder

Effectual v effective. Not sure what the difference is, but it's the starting point for dogs in public. Byelaws can only make those requirements stricter, which they sometimes do. Here's an extract from the Fingal bye laws. Could be different in other council areas though.

(d) Dogs in parks and open spaces shall be kept on a leash, other than in areas designated as off-leash areas, or at times specified by the County Council. Dogs must be kept under effectual control at all times. Dogs (other than guide dogs or assistance dogs) shall not be permitted in public playgrounds. A person shall not cause or allow any Restricted Breed, as defined in the Control of Dogs Regulations 1998 (as amended) belonging to him/her, or in his/her charge to enter or remain in the park unless such dog is kept securely muzzled and led on a sufficiently strong leash or chain not exceeding two metres in length by a competent person over 16 years of age

There's some suggestion that the last hour before park closing time is allowed off lead.

Dogs off lead don't bother me (as a dog owner) but I've seen the dog warden challenge people and even heard of a dog being confiscated once. Personally, I don't let mine off lead if there is anyone near by.

whisky_galore

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118842035#Comment_118842035

Years ago a dog was just that, a dog.

Now people have gone a bit soft in the head, a dog is now 'part of the family', a child substitute if you will. Sleeping in people's beds and having the run of the house. Telling someone to control their dog is akin to telling someone to control their kid and the defensiveness that comes with that.

CramCycle

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119666154#Comment_119666154

My dogs are part of the family, but like my kids, they are well trained and have good recall. There are moments where they throw you a look of disgust but a specific tone sorts that.

cletus

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119666381#Comment_119666381

Funny you say that. My two dogs are good to come back when called, but the older one (9 years old) has recently taken to simply standing and waiting for me to go to him, or tracking back a few steps, stopping for a pee, and then waiting for me, instead of coming back.

I wonder is it some sort of challenge for authority in the pack 🤔😂

benneca1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118074731#Comment_118074731

I Wreck my Zipp front wheel and crack my new carbon frame and snap off a dura ace lever I would have a fair case to say the dog was not under proper control in a public place. From my own expereince is when this goes bad no one claims the offending cur.

cletus

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119667745#Comment_119667745

If that happened because of a dog, then the dog wasn't under effective control.

I'll give you an example of effective control without a lead. There's a dog owner who I pass regularly, as we both walk our dogs in the same area. My dogs will come back when called, and then I put the lead on them if we are approaching other people.

The dog owner I referred to above never uses a lead, but he has a series of whistles and commands that his dog follows perfectly every single time. As soon as the dog is commanded, he will lay down and watch his owner, regardless of anything or anyone else who is passing him, dogs barking, or anything else.

Frankly I think it's amazing, and I would consider his dog to be every bit as much under his control, as mine are under my control while on the leash

hesker

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119667815#Comment_119667815

Out of all the dogs not on a leash how many would you guess are under effective control.

I use a shared walkway/cycle way for my cycle to work. Lots of dogs and very few leashes even though there is signage directing it.

cletus

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119668837#Comment_119668837

I've no idea. I was only giving an example of what people mean by effective control.

Anecdotally, I would see very few people walking dogs where I live that don't have them on leads

hesker

Meant it more as a rhetorical question. I like dogs but think they should be on leads when in public spaces in close proximity to other people.

cletus

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119669066#Comment_119669066

I'd agree in most cases. The control I was referring above is not thart common (in relation to the amount of dog owners), and I''ve experienced people shouting for their dogs, and apologising when the dogs won't return.

Both of my dogs are very friendly, but I'm aware that many people do not like dogs, or are worried/afraid when dogs are off the lead, which is why I make sure mine are on the lead when people are around

average_runner

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119656539#Comment_119656539

It is on your property so the dog is safe. Please remember a lab take the longest to mature, when it is about 2 years old he/she will settle.

We have a lab, 3 now, always on the lead though and I hate when people let their dogs just roam up to ours.

average_runner

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119657663#Comment_119657663

Depends, if the park has a sign saying dogs on lead, then they need to be kept on the leads