Dog attack victim calls for greater controls

1:00pm Thursday 14th February 2013 in News Photograph of the Author By Katriona Ormiston, Reporter. Call me on (01865) 425426

SAVAGED: Ken Deadman SAVAGED: Ken Deadman

A DOG attack victim is calling for more action to tackle out of control breeds.

Ken Deadman, 68, from Barton, was savaged by a pitbull-type dog in December as he and a neighbour heroically tried to rescue another neighbour from an attack.

Mr Deadman said he was pleased about the Government’s bid to introduce compulsory microchipping for dogs so owners of out-of-control dogs can be traced.

But he and the head of an Oxfordshire animal charity are calling for more to be done to stop attacks.

Mr Deadman, who owns two dogs himself, said: “It will make me feel a bit safer when that law comes in. If there is an incident because a dog is out of control the owner can be traced.

“But if an owner knows its dog could attack they should be made more responsible and do more about it before it gets serious. My arm just has scars now but it is still sore.”

The pensioner, who was bitten on the arm, spent nine hours at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Headington after the attack.

By April 2016 dog owners must have to have their microchipped by law.

Blue Cross pet charity is offering free microchipping for dogs and cats, which usually costs around £20, at its bases in Burford, West Oxfordshire, and Lewknor, East Oxfordshire.

The charity estimates it could microchip up to 170 dogs at its two Oxfordshire bases in a week.

Kim Hamilton, Blue Cross chief executive, said: “The Government’s decision to introduce compulsory microchipping of all dogs promises to make a lasting impression on animal welfare.

“Blue Cross has campaigned long and hard for microchipping and will be offering free chips to dogs and cats at its animal hospitals and rehoming. But these changes alone will be little comfort for the victims of dog attacks.

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“The current situation still fails pets and endangers the public. An early preventative strategy would educate dog owners, helping to improve their pets’ behaviour and knowledge of their responsibilities.”

The charity wants authorities like the police to be given more powers to step in to tackle the situation if the owner has shown antisocial behaviour before an attack has taken place.

They also want better education for youngsters.

Comments (8)

1:58pm Thu 14 Feb 13

wrongly parked says...

The local council and police tend to ignore dangerous dogs.
One of the worst places for attacks in Oxfordshire is Bankside Park in Banbury. Here the local council - Cherwell District do not take any actions and even though they employ "dog wardens" they do not patrol the area. This park is notorious for dog attacks, dog fouling and for dogs being off the lead and almost causing accidents by running onto the busy road.
It’s such a shame that Cherwell Council do not patrol this park but instead turn a blind eye to dog offences and I sympathise with Mr Deadman as we know how he feels.
The local council and police tend to ignore dangerous dogs. One of the worst places for attacks in Oxfordshire is Bankside Park in Banbury. Here the local council - Cherwell District do not take any actions and even though they employ "dog wardens" they do not patrol the area. This park is notorious for dog attacks, dog fouling and for dogs being off the lead and almost causing accidents by running onto the busy road. It’s such a shame that Cherwell Council do not patrol this park but instead turn a blind eye to dog offences and I sympathise with Mr Deadman as we know how he feels. wrongly parked

4:27pm Thu 14 Feb 13

Railtraveller says...

Any breed of dog can be dangerous. It is the dog's owner that is to blame in the majority of cases - prosecute them.
Any breed of dog can be dangerous. It is the dog's owner that is to blame in the majority of cases - prosecute them. Railtraveller

4:46pm Thu 14 Feb 13

John J Monaghan says...

All dogs should be on leads. If a dog is let off its lead then the owner should be prosecuted.

I note your comment that any dog can be dangerous Rail, but the facts are that there are generic types of individual that buy a certain type of dogs and make it vicious as a status symbol.

Chipping, licences and enforcement of inoculations for all animals is one way to sort this. However, until we make breeding of these animals illegal by unlicensed owners, the breeds will be abuse for the money!
All dogs should be on leads. If a dog is let off its lead then the owner should be prosecuted. I note your comment that any dog can be dangerous Rail, but the facts are that there are generic types of individual that buy a certain type of dogs and make it vicious as a status symbol. Chipping, licences and enforcement of inoculations for all animals is one way to sort this. However, until we make breeding of these animals illegal by unlicensed owners, the breeds will be abuse for the money! John J Monaghan

11:29pm Thu 14 Feb 13

Feelingsmatter says...

My cat put me in hospital; it's a sad fact that some animals, when mistreated, turn on humans. Having a rescue cat in our house is a gamble, and should he hurt anyone else I would, regrettably, have to think about his prospects. The things humans do to domestic pets is horrific, and if it results in injury to humans then humans should be punished.
My cat put me in hospital; it's a sad fact that some animals, when mistreated, turn on humans. Having a rescue cat in our house is a gamble, and should he hurt anyone else I would, regrettably, have to think about his prospects. The things humans do to domestic pets is horrific, and if it results in injury to humans then humans should be punished. Feelingsmatter

11:40pm Thu 14 Feb 13

Myron Blatz says...

All dogs are direct relatives to the common wolf, it's true. However, some breeds of 'domesticated dog' over many centuries have been specifically bred by humans as guard and attack and fighting animals. Today, most of the issues associated with dog attacks on children, adults and other dogs and animals can be related to the people who breed and keep 'agressive' animals - and especially those used for illegal fighting. As with guns, it isn't so much about the weapon - in this case dogs - but the person who 'pulls the trigger' and who is ultimately responsible. Even so, many attacks are made by supposedly 'harmless family pets' and perhaps we have to also re-think what we allow into our homes - real animals are not the same as the stuffed, cuddly toys which Parwnts and Grandparents give to children to play with.
All dogs are direct relatives to the common wolf, it's true. However, some breeds of 'domesticated dog' over many centuries have been specifically bred by humans as guard and attack and fighting animals. Today, most of the issues associated with dog attacks on children, adults and other dogs and animals can be related to the people who breed and keep 'agressive' animals - and especially those used for illegal fighting. As with guns, it isn't so much about the weapon - in this case dogs - but the person who 'pulls the trigger' and who is ultimately responsible. Even so, many attacks are made by supposedly 'harmless family pets' and perhaps we have to also re-think what we allow into our homes - real animals are not the same as the stuffed, cuddly toys which Parwnts and Grandparents give to children to play with. Myron Blatz

12:10pm Fri 15 Feb 13

DOGGYDAY says...

Railtraveller is correct any breed of dog can be dangerous not just dogs specifically bread for fighting or guarding. I have 4 dogs one of which is a Staffordshire bull terrier. However the most dangerous dog out of all 4 is a 2.5kg Yorkshire terrier. ALL dogs should be kept on a lead whilst out in public. The excuse people use of “dogs have a right to run/walk/defecate off lead” is ridiculous. If your dog needs more exercise than you can be bothered to provide whilst on lead then you should NOT have that dog. My Staffordshire bull terrier has recently undergone a major operation and I am SICK of these idiots who scream from vast distances away “my dog is friendly” whilst it is bounding up to me off lead. Your dog is out of control idiot I don’t care if it is as friendly as Scooby doo maybe my dog isn’t accustomed to out of control dogs sniffing it all over.
In Bicester this is a major issue people walk their dogs uncontrolled and off lead 99% of the time. I have been attacked 3 times by off lead dogs in the last year whilst out walking mine on lead. They let their dogs wander into peoples gardens to toilet it is just disgusting! You can’t tell me that these idiots actually find their dog’s specific poo and collect it while they are wandering around. Great leave it for someone else to tread in!
I’m sure some know it all will say I send the vibes down the lead but would you really like a human coming up to you in a shop sniffing your bum then nudging you for a play?
Different dogs react differently to every situation they are put in. Recently I took my son to the local park when on the way home he was nearly attacked by a “friendly” dog who just decided that it didn’t like him.
People just don’t realise that these are animals all animals are unpredictable no matter how “friendly” or “trained”.
All homes should be monitored and licensed before they are allowed to home any dog regardless of breed. And if I see one more idiot parent thinking it was ok to leave their baby or child alone with their dog then I will scream!
Railtraveller is correct any breed of dog can be dangerous not just dogs specifically bread for fighting or guarding. I have 4 dogs one of which is a Staffordshire bull terrier. However the most dangerous dog out of all 4 is a 2.5kg Yorkshire terrier. ALL dogs should be kept on a lead whilst out in public. The excuse people use of “dogs have a right to run/walk/defecate off lead” is ridiculous. If your dog needs more exercise than you can be bothered to provide whilst on lead then you should NOT have that dog. My Staffordshire bull terrier has recently undergone a major operation and I am SICK of these idiots who scream from vast distances away “my dog is friendly” whilst it is bounding up to me off lead. Your dog is out of control idiot I don’t care if it is as friendly as Scooby doo maybe my dog isn’t accustomed to out of control dogs sniffing it all over. In Bicester this is a major issue people walk their dogs uncontrolled and off lead 99% of the time. I have been attacked 3 times by off lead dogs in the last year whilst out walking mine on lead. They let their dogs wander into peoples gardens to toilet it is just disgusting! You can’t tell me that these idiots actually find their dog’s specific poo and collect it while they are wandering around. Great leave it for someone else to tread in! I’m sure some know it all will say I send the vibes down the lead but would you really like a human coming up to you in a shop sniffing your bum then nudging you for a play? Different dogs react differently to every situation they are put in. Recently I took my son to the local park when on the way home he was nearly attacked by a “friendly” dog who just decided that it didn’t like him. People just don’t realise that these are animals all animals are unpredictable no matter how “friendly” or “trained”. All homes should be monitored and licensed before they are allowed to home any dog regardless of breed. And if I see one more idiot parent thinking it was ok to leave their baby or child alone with their dog then I will scream! DOGGYDAY

12:18pm Fri 15 Feb 13

zimmer, Wolvecote. says...

Railtraveller is correct any breed of dog can be dangerous not just dogs specifically bread for fighting or guarding. I have 4 dogs one of which is a Staffordshire bull terrier. However the most dangerous dog out of all 4 is a 2.5kg Yorkshire terrier.

Are you joking Mr Doggyday? Even at my age I know which one is more dangerous, the Yorkie will get a size nine up it's backside, the Staffy will stick it's razor sharp teeth into my backside.
Railtraveller is correct any breed of dog can be dangerous not just dogs specifically bread for fighting or guarding. I have 4 dogs one of which is a Staffordshire bull terrier. However the most dangerous dog out of all 4 is a 2.5kg Yorkshire terrier. Are you joking Mr Doggyday? Even at my age I know which one is more dangerous, the Yorkie will get a size nine up it's backside, the Staffy will stick it's razor sharp teeth into my backside. zimmer, Wolvecote.

12:59pm Fri 15 Feb 13

DOGGYDAY says...

Zimmer
No I’m not joking, just goes to show that people pre-judge without the full facts doesn’t it.
a. I am female, so Ms Doggy day to you thank you
b. The Staffordshire bull terrier has undergone a major operation and is immobilised the Yorkshire terrier is fully capable of attack and in fact does. But as a responsible owner I keep it on a lead and use a muzzle.
c. They also have different temperaments the Yorkie is highly strung
d. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier doesn’t actually have razor sharp teeth unlike the Yorkie.
So “at your age” you should know better than to make assumptions. Id like to see you kick yourself in the face while the 2.5kg Yorkie jumps up to sink its razor sharp teeth into it!
Zimmer No I’m not joking, just goes to show that people pre-judge without the full facts doesn’t it. a. I am female, so Ms Doggy day to you thank you b. The Staffordshire bull terrier has undergone a major operation and is immobilised the Yorkshire terrier is fully capable of attack and in fact does. But as a responsible owner I keep it on a lead and use a muzzle. c. They also have different temperaments the Yorkie is highly strung d. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier doesn’t actually have razor sharp teeth unlike the Yorkie. So “at your age” you should know better than to make assumptions. Id like to see you kick yourself in the face while the 2.5kg Yorkie jumps up to sink its razor sharp teeth into it! DOGGYDAY

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