Dangerous dog on Peckham Rye

[sophiesofa]

I think he means if it happens/has happened to anyone else. Emily I hope your dog has a speedy recovery.

[Catalyst]

If we see the owner and his dog in the park again what number should we call?

[hpsaucey]

Good question. Also, I'd like to know if you know which side of the park he comes from? Might help to track him down.

[PeckhamRose]

Peckham Rye and Nunhead Safer Neighbourhood Team

020 8721 2443

It may go to an answerphone but it will be collected.

If it is answered someone could be there sharp.

But do tell them.

It has already been said that the owner works in MK plumbing in Nunhead, and that the owner lives in Nunhead so therefore he is on 'my' SE15 side of the park, and thus I am sure the above phone number is the correct one as the whole park is included in that area I am sure.

[rspcalondonsoutheast]

This is terrible and sadly we are seeing an increase in attacks such as the one described above.

[puzzled]

I have spoken to fellow dogwalkers in peckham rye park. many of them are aware of this disgusting monty creature and his even more disgusting owner. the "gentleman" in question is every bit as alarming as his dog. feeling among the dogwalkers is that the police will not be much interested. perhaps cllr barber could get involved here and have a well-directed word with the community wardens and ensure that there are regular patrols for the time being. this dog must be muzzled and kept on a lead at all times

[Mscrawthew]

It`s not the dog`s fault he ended up with a stupid, ignorant human, I hope Woody is feeling better. This man needs to be found and banned from owning dogs. Unfortunately, the dog would probably be pts and through no fault of his own.

[puzzled]

the general view on the rye is that monty was not the complete rear end he is now when he was younger and that it is the foul owner to blame. obviously he should be banned from dog-owning, but sadly monty may never be able to turn into a nice well-behaved woofer. staffs are a permanent nuisance in the park. they tend to adore humans and hate other dogs. great innit?

[Mscrawthew]

Again, its not the breed it`s the deed. Any dog that isn`t socialised properly from a young age is a risk. Because of all the media hype regarding Bull Breeds they attract the wrong kind of owner and sadly they are cast as a "devil dog" when the real, respnsible owners know it`s a completely different story.

[bonniebird]

Mscrawthew Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Again, its not the breed it`s the deed. Any dog

> that isn`t socialised properly from a young age is

> a risk. Because of all the media hype regarding

> Bull Breeds they attract the wrong kind of owner

> and sadly they are cast as a "devil dog" when the

> real, respnsible owners know it`s a completely

> different story.

Deed not breed, well said(tu)

[emilydrab]

Yes I've told the police all I know, where the owner works etc. I don't know how seriously they will take it and what they can do. I'm definitely going to take it as far as I can and alsoo involve the safer neighbourhood teams and RSPCA. As you say in your post, it could have easily been a child in reigns. The more I hear on the forum the angrier I get that this man has been terrorising people over time with his aggressive dog. He shoudl at the very least be forced to put it on a lead and wear a muzzle. It would be great if you could use your political power in this area. It's obviously something many people feel very strongly about - and of course they'll be loads of dog walkers who will have similar stories to tell that don't use this forum. This is just the tip of the iceberg. I know in Northern Ireland a politician (can't remember who or which party ) has made dangerous dogs a cental point of her manifesto. It really is a big issue here isn't it?

[emilydrab]

An update on Woody. He's on a drip staying the night at my vet's in Norwood. He's stable and the vet said he will pull through and should be able to walk again with physio. He needs to have a major orthepedic operation first. All his bites are being drained and dealt with. He's only just had his first birthday and my heart is just broken that my plucky little friend is so horribly injured - as all dog lovers will understand I know. LAst night I slept on my kitchen floor next to his crate and he whimpered and cried all night. I don't even know if either us will have the courage to even walk in the park again after this or if he'll be able to. But I'll do anything in my power to stop this man and others with dangerous dogs ruining everyone's lives. I hope if I do make it to the park in six months time or however long it takes that any of you come and say hello, your messages of support have meant so much to us.

[bonniebird]

Oh the poor little boy:'( Wishing you a speedy recovery Woody, I would love to meet him when he is up and walking again, bless his little heart. Good luck to you all, sending our love x x x

[PeckhamRose]

I can't remember if you posted this or not, but did you have pet insurance?

Whatever the situation is, when we find this man, I'm wondering if you have some sort of legal insurance cover and you can sue him for the vet fees?

Just wondering.

Sue Fox the council housing officer sends her best wishes to you both and says she does not recognise the man or dog.

[Jeremy]

Mscrawthew Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> Again, its not the breed it`s the deed. Any dog

> that isn`t socialised properly from a young age is

> a risk. Because of all the media hype regarding

> Bull Breeds they attract the wrong kind of owner

> and sadly they are cast as a "devil dog" when the

> real, respnsible owners know it`s a completely

> different story.

Of course any dog can act violently if reared badly. But some breeds of dogs are known to be potentially more aggressive towards other dogs. And of course with the bull terrier types, they are capable of fatally injuring most other dogs, or even people. It's quite worrying that these animals often end up in the hands of irresponsible owners.

[first mate]

It would be good if some political pressure could be brought to bear on the police to take an incident like this seriously and not just file it away as another "dog fight". For many of us law abiding dog owners walking in the park has become a decidedly unrelaxed affair- because we are always having to look out for dodgy owners with their bull breed accessory. What a shame that we cannot have more of the old fashioned park wardens back- actually on patrol, visible and there when you need to report something. I know funding is an issue but all I will say to that is this would be a better use of money on its way to "brighten up" the Northcross Road wall etc.. etc.. Feeling safer in the park would brighten up my day no end.

Emily, I am so glad Woody's prognosis is good, you'll get plenty of support from the ED dog peeps if you make it back to the park, but gently does it.

[dulwichdogman]

hi emily sorry to here about the attack on woody.try not let these small minded owners put you of going for a walk again. im in the park alot and wood like you to join me on a walk with my pack and i do my best to advise you on how to enjoy your walks again and a few tips to enjoying life in the park again. your welcome to join me while woody is on the mend. i will pm you my details. i agree with you firstmate on your posts.

[cate]

I wish to offer you my sympathies for what happened to your dog. How horrifying for you and Woody. I cannot recall having seen this man or his dog. I hope you have insurance so they can pursue the owner for you. If not I would guess you could issue a small claims court summons. I used to have trouble with a Rottweiler going after my dog and others when I lived in another borough. The police were called one day by someone else because this dog was out of order and 4 police cars turned up. The dog was as nice as pie to the officers of course. I saw the dog once after that and was threatened by the owner (very scary) as he thought I had called the cops. I reported his threat and a policeman went to his home and after that I never saw the dog again. This dog had also bitten the hand of a woman who picked up her small dog which the Rottie was trying to attack. Sadly she refused to report the attack as she feared the dog would be put down and just decided not to go there again. Perhaps it would be good if you could have a chat with a sympathetic policeman and see if he/she can pay the guy a visit and hopefully feel his collar. If you want any help in taking anything further let me know.

[xelena]

Have sent you a pm

[cassidy]

hi emily, I also wish to offer you my sympathies for what happened to your dog, i hope Woody is feeling better and wish him a speedy recovery.

I also feel i need to point out that it is the owner who should be blamed he sounded totally irresponsible not just in his attitude to the attack on Woody but his whole behaviour in keeping and training his own dog.

But i would like to urge people not to turn this in to a witch hunt of all bull breeds as it is the owners and not the breeds.

I myself have staffies and they are friendly and well socialized and enjoy being with other dogs in the park they are not the "devil dogs many people believe. Also like you one of my staffies was attacked when playing in the park he had a bad leg injury but thankfully made a full recovery and still did not become aggressive and remains his friendly self.

I again send my best to you and woody and hope he gets better soon but ask everyone to focus on the owner who is to blame to ensure no other animal suffers rather then turning it in to a campaign against all bull breeds as there are many good ones with responsible owners out there.

[VikkiM]

Hi Emily - very sorry to hear about this too and do hope Woody is doing okay on what sounds like it will be a long road to recovery :-(

It sounds like you've done pretty much all of what follows but, for information, back in October dangerous dogs were discussed at the Peckham Rye and Nunhead Community Council. The Safer Neighbourhood Teams advised that the police would always treat the owner as the problem, not the animal itself. They said that if residents had an immediate concern, and the SNT was not available, they should ring 999, or speak to the Community Wardens.

As a result of the discussion about what enforcement action the council could take to make sure owners control their dogs, Eileen Conn suggested that the Community Council investigate how other boroughs enforce dog related anti-social behaviour. This was agreed to and the Community Council proposed inviting council officers from boroughs that are deemed to have good dog control practice to a Community Council meeting. I appreciate that this isn't going to resolve issues overnight but if we are able to come across suggestions or ideas that we can get other Community Councils to support we might begin to get a bit of momentum. Both the Safer Neighbourhood Teams and Community Wardens attend Community Council and I would hope that they were involved in this meeting when it takes place.

[KidKruger]

I don't have a dog and never have but the thought of taking one for a walk and being in fear for it's safety when certain breed/owner combinations are spotted is absolutely dreadful !! Something I never considered at all. This is the equivalent of us (people) not feeling safe in the streets because of yobs and muggers. Good Heavens.

[Lollipop]

I know this man and avoid him when I see him in the park. He can't control his dog. But he is obviously avoiding the park at the moment - I saw him this morning about 8.15 near the Barcelona tapas bar, walking his dog on a lead.

[PeckhamRose]

We should change the title of this thread now to Woodie's attacker dog owner Watch! Well spotted Lollipop!

Whilst VikkiM's thread is welcome news, I'd love to know if there are any boroughs that HAVE successfully cracked down on the irresponsioble owners of perceived dangerous dogs (note my wording!).

In the meantime, the SNT (who never reply to my emails by the way) should - as you say - take it seriously. I will raise the issue at the next police ward panel if I remember, but I do recommend you come along. Bring Woodie if he is up to it. I shall post a note on the Lounge (I am not allowed to post it in ED forum) when the next Police Ward Panel is due.

[TonyQuinn]

This is very disturbing but typical of so many dog-owners it seems at the moment. This penchance for pit bulls is potentially putting little people at risk let alone other dogs. Report this man to the police - people seem to know who he is. There is legislation that can be used against him.