Greyhound attack... Am I being unreasonable?

[Love_my_Lurcher]

I find your comment quite childish. I wonder why it is seen as so abhorrent to some that I insist that a dog be kept under control. It's is just as important for the dogs safety.

It's not the fact that you think that we perceive it as abhorrent to keep dogs under control. It is the fact that you are sat there preaching to us to keep dogs under control all the while your cat is allowed out to do whatever she likes and is under NO kind of control. Some of us are finding that to be a smidgen hypocritical.

As for your wanting the dog to be prevented from walking past your house. Does that mean passing it from the other side of the street as well as on your side of the road? If so then it could well mean that the entire street is off limits to the dog. In which case your are being completely unreasonable.

 

[Queenbee]

No, he recognises the bad publicity that is affecting his charity as a result of this incident and is trying to mitigate it - he is a manager, and must put aside his personal views on your complaint to deal with the matter professionally.

I'm assuming this is speculation.

 

[Love_my_Lurcher]

Perhaps you would like to read the thread in full before asking a question I have already answered.

I have read the whole thread. You started by saying that the woman would find it difficult to control a Chihuahua (the smallest breed of dog there is) and then you go on and say that a Whippet would be suitable. A Whippet is larger than a Chihuahua (although the Whippet is quite a small breed anyway), but one would require more exercise than a Chi and would also be stronger than a Chi. So which is it? Do you think the woman would actually have difficulty walking the smallest breed of dog or do you think she would be able to cope with a Whippet?

 

[MurphysMinder]

I wasn't going to reply to this thread, and sympathise with you on the attack on your cat. However, having read all the posts and your treatment of an 80 year old lady who is facing the loss of her daughter, I would answer the question in the title of the thread with , yes you are being unreasonable !

 

[Queenbee]

It's not the fact that you think that we perceive it as abhorrent to keep dogs under control. It is the fact that you are sat there preaching to us to keep dogs under control all the while your cat is allowed out to do whatever she likes and is under NO kind of control. Some of us are finding that to be a smidgen hypocritical.

As for your wanting the dog to be prevented from walking past your house. Does that mean passing it from the other side of the street as well as on your side of the road? If so then it could well mean that the entire street is off limits to the dog. In which case your are being completely unreasonable.

It is a legal requirement for dogs to be kept under control in public places. It has nothing to do with a cat. My dogs are always kept under control. If a dog is not under control or has attacked a person/livestock or pet, then the council can reasonably expect and insist that measures are put in place to control the dog. It's about safeguarding a dogs life too! This particular dog after dropping my cat chased across the road after her. I personally don't think it's appropriate to compare cats and dogs in the manner you are, they are totally different animals, and have different lifestyle requirements. I did not say, that you or anyone else perceive it as abhorrent to keep dogs under control. I asked why people find it abhorrent that I insist this dog is kept under control. I adore dogs, I adore sight hounds and aside from anything else I see that what happened the other day was wreckless endangerment of a beautiful dog.

 

[Love_my_Lurcher]

It is a legal requirement for dogs to be kept under control in public places. It has nothing to do with a cat. My dogs are always kept under control. If a dog is not under control or has attacked a person/livestock or pet, then the council can reasonably expect and insist that measures are put in place to control the dog. It's about safeguarding a dogs life too! This particular dog after dropping my cat chased across the road after her. I personally don't think it's appropriate to compare cats and dogs in the manner you are, they are totally different animals, and have different lifestyle requirements. I did not say, that you or anyone else perceive it as abhorrent to keep dogs under control. I asked why people find it abhorrent that I insist this dog is kept under control. I adore dogs, I adore sight hounds and aside from anything else I see that what happened the other day was wreckless endangerment of a beautiful dog.

Yes cats and dogs are different species and require different things, but that does NOT negate the FACT that both are just as susceptible to the dangers of the environment around them and that both can endanger others too. A loose dog bolting across the road and causing an accident is no different to a cat doing the same thing. An unsupervised cat being lifted by some scumbag to be used as bait for dog fighting or coursing is no different to an unsupervised dog being taken to be used for the same purposes. If a dog got the chance then it could very well kill somebody elses pet or a wild animal. Cats can and have raided chicken coops, pigeon lofts, etc. A person could also be fined if they were caught letting their dog foul in a garden. The difference here is that a dog would be considered a menace if it did such things and authorities would place controls on the animal. Yet it seems to be acceptable when it's a cat. I am sorry, but I find that to be wrong on every level. Why do people who have dogs have to adhere to such laws yet people with cats have no such legal responsibilities?

I will also ask if somebody were to stroke/pick up a cat a street and got bitten and or scratched by said cat then would the cat's owner be held legally responsible or would it just be brushed off as an accident? This is also something that bugs me about horses. I can remember watching an episode of Helicopter Heroes and a boy had part of his ear bitten off by a horse. This was regarded as a 'freak accident'. Had it been a dog it would have been classified as a mauling and the owners punished by the law and not to mention the possible killing of the dog.

 

[Queenbee]

I wasn't going to reply to this thread, and sympathise with you on the attack on your cat. However, having read all the posts and your treatment of an 80 year old lady who is facing the loss of her daughter, I would answer the question in the title of the thread with , yes you are being unreasonable !

You have no idea just how much support I've been giving to this woman! How angry I am that she was ever put into such an awful situation at a time when she has more than enough to deal with. She knew and welcomed the fact that I was going to speak to the centre as she knew the dog was too much for her and was frightened of walking him after the incident. She's been worrying about her daughter, and her old dog, I've been guiding her with management tips for her old dog to make her last few days as comfortable as possible, listening to her about her daughter and comforting her, advising her when requested. Updating her on my cat, as requested. It is a responsible thing to ensure that this dog goes to its new home with accurate history, and as a result control measures of a muzzle and an appropriate handler. The council can ensure this happens, that is all I want for the dog, as I said where it walks is not an issue to me as it is no longer in my town. What I want for the owner is what she has expressed she wants, to not have the hassle of a dog like that, to have instead a loving and easy to do companion, she asked my opinion as she knows I have a whippet, and I discussed whippets with her at her request.

I am truly offended that you could accuse me of bad treatment, far from distressing her I've been supporting her and calming her. Because I think she was put in an appalling position.

 

[MurphysMinder]

So as you clearly feel you haven't been unreasonable, why ask the question!

 

[MotherOfChickens]

cats and the liability of having them roam free isn't relevant here IMO. The fact is cats can roam free whatever the rights and wrongs of it or whether 'you' like it or not. If you're a cat owner that allows a cat to roam then you do have to accept an element of risk from RTA/wandering off but I don't think you have to accept the risk of a dog attack-dogs shouldn't be attacking anything.

Other animals are not worth less than a dog and as a dog owner, if you have a dog that's liable to chase and harm anything else, it should be under control-end of. If this story was about sheep it would be a different thread entirely I suspect.

 

[lurcherlu]

Better than any drama this...... ( fetches the popcorn )

 

[Alec Swan]

Because she can't control it, and it chases cats?????!!!!! Honestly, people are not allowed to have a dog out in public that they can not control... This isn't my law, it's THE law.

…….. .

I'm sorry, but the OP is entirely correct. The Law requires that those who have a dog in their care are responsible for its actions. The same conditions do not apply to those who own cats.

There will be those on here who having read a book or two or listened to what they want to believe, will be authorities on Greyhounds which have been in training and have raced. The realities are all so often different from their beliefs.

Perhaps I can explain; Greyhounds chase the lure in the belief that they will catch it. They also believe that having caught it, they have achieved their prize. During the days of when Coursing was legal, the prize for the dog, was to kill its prey. Greyhounds don't act to please man, but themselves, and it's this self centred approach which can make them difficult to deal with, in short, for generations Greyhounds have been bred for one purpose, and one only, and in part to the detriment of the breed. Accepting that they are all so often a most amenable and kindly breed of dog, there are those examples, especially those which are just out of training which are nonetheless, testing!

Just about every Greyhound which has been in training has the potential to be a danger to those things which are small and furry, and the simplest route is that those dogs, particularly the 'recently-re-homed', should wear muzzles in public, until either the owner is confident that they have full physical control, or that the neutered dog becomes so old and ungainly that it's no longer a threat.

Every owner of every dog is responsible for the animals actions, regardless of the animal's predisposition to any certain behaviour pattern. Would we consider that a horse which kicks out in the public arena should be excused simply because "Well that's what horses do"? We are all responsible for our dogs, and that's both morally and in the eyes of The Law.

Alec.

 

[Love_my_Lurcher]

You have no idea just how much support I've been giving to this woman! How angry I am that she was ever put into such an awful situation at a time when she has more than enough to deal with. She knew and welcomed the fact that I was going to speak to the centre as she knew the dog was too much for her and was frightened of walking him after the incident. She's been worrying about her daughter, and her old dog, I've been guiding her with management tips for her old dog to make her last few days as comfortable as possible, listening to her about her daughter and comforting her, advising her when requested. Updating her on my cat, as requested. It is a responsible thing to ensure that this dog goes to its new home with accurate history, and as a result control measures of a muzzle and an appropriate handler. The council can ensure this happens, that is all I want for the dog, as I said where it walks is not an issue to me as it is no longer in my town. What I want for the owner is what she has expressed she wants, to not have the hassle of a dog like that, to have instead a loving and easy to do companion, she asked my opinion as she knows I have a whippet, and I discussed whippets with her at her request.

I am truly offended that you could accuse me of bad treatment, far from distressing her I've been supporting her and calming her. Because I think she was put in an appalling position.

If you don't think you are being unreasonable then why is part of your thread entitled 'Am I being unreasonable'? Did you come here for reassurance that you have been doing the right things or do you have doubts about your actions?

 

[Claire-R]

Better than any drama this...... ( fetches the popcorn )

My thought exactly!!

 

[Queenbee]

Better than any drama this...... ( fetches the popcorn )

My thought exactly!!

Haha, glad to amuse... Well ladies... Im flouncing out now... Either of you going to the yard? Im on my way now, may be a little late as i thought id stop at the council offices to insist that all cats are placed under a protection order and cars are stopped from driving down my road...

 

[Claire-R]

Lol I shall be up with boyo about 5ish again

 

[Queenbee]

Cool, see you then

*exits stage right! at a flounce*

 

[Fides]

Actually not entirely, owners can be fined up to £1000 for an incident where a dog attacks a pet, and certain measures (as previously discussed are put in place) it's that simple, it's the law and your opinion on it doesn't make it less so.

Just to clarify that point (see this link for control orders that can be issued by the cohuncil)
https://www.gov.uk/control-dog-public/dog-control-orders

You will find that cats are exempt from this. For the same reason you aren't obliged to stop if you hit one, the way you are with a dog/sheep/cow/horse - although morally most reasonable people would...

Initially I would have said you weren't being unreasonable, but now I think you have got a bit over the top about it and I think, yes you are now being unreasonable...

 

[Alec Swan]

…….. now I think you have got a bit over the top about it and I think, yes you are now being unreasonable...

In the defence of the OP, when goaded, an ever more strident approach is the likely course. Q_b was hacked off and frightened for a much loved cat. A powerful and determined greyhound dog, quite naturally attempted to kill the cat. He made a hash of it, thankfully, and Q_b now has her rather ruffled pussy restored to what appears to be good health, and all is well, except for the ongoing discussion!!

I would also say that Q_b has behaved I believe, in an exemplary fashion by attempting to assist the dog owner (probably throughout gritted teeth), in their possibly preferred management of a large and powerful dog. Q_b has also tackled the re-homing lot and perhaps they too will learn a lesson, though I have my doubts!

I'd say, Queenbee, that you have every reason to stand up and take a bow!!

Alec.

 

[bonny]

In the defence of the OP, when goaded, an ever more strident approach is the likely course. Q_b was hacked off and frightened for a much loved cat. A powerful and determined greyhound dog, quite naturally attempted to kill the cat. He made a hash of it, thankfully, and Q_b now has her rather ruffled pussy restored to what appears to be good health, and all is well, except for the ongoing discussion!!

I would also say that Q_b has behaved I believe, in an exemplary fashion by attempting to assist the dog owner (probably throughout gritted teeth), in their possibly preferred management of a large and powerful dog. Q_b has also tackled the re-homing lot and perhaps they too will learn a lesson, though I have my doubts!

I'd say, Queenbee, that you have every reason to stand up and take a bow!!

Alec.

I was trying not to comment again but what a load of claptrap !! That is all.

 

[Moomin1]

I was trying not to comment again but what a load of claptrap !! That is all.

In what way was that clap trap?

 

[{97702}]

I'm assuming this is speculation.

Ah yes - assumptions, the mother of all **** ups.....

 

[MerrySherryRider]

I would also say that Q_b has behaved I believe, in an exemplary fashion by attempting to assist the dog owner (probably throughout gritted teeth), in their possibly preferred management of a large and powerful dog. Q_b has also tackled the re-homing lot and perhaps they too will learn a lesson, though I have my doubts!

I'd say, Queenbee, that you have every reason to stand up and take a bow!!

Alec.

Oh Alec, I just spat my wine all over the keyboard ! There's 'assisting' and assisting.

 

[Fides]

Oh Alec, I just spat my wine all over the keyboard ! There's 'assisting' and assisting.

It was the 'rather ruffled pussy restored' that made me spit mine

 

[Alec Swan]

It was the 'rather ruffled pussy restored' that made me spit mine

Which was the intention and hoping that others may smile. Not entirely wasted, I see!

Alec.

 

[Fides]

Which was the intention and hoping that others may smile. Not entirely wasted, I see!

Alec.

Never wasted with my dirty mind

 

[{97702}]

It was the 'rather ruffled pussy restored' that made me spit mine

Yep there are certain forum users you can always rely on for a bit of sleaze.....

 

[Fides]

Yep there are certain forum users you can always rely on for a bit of sleaze.....

And some you can rely on to put a downer on a bit of fun

 

[{97702}]

And some you can rely on to put a downer on a bit of fun

Aye thats me

 

[lastchancer]

Sorry but if you allow your cats to roam , you have to put up with the consequences. As sadly I did.

The OP's cat was on a neighbors which it was welcome on. Our cat was on HER OWN GARDEN.
QB has shown compassion for an old lady who has been stitched up with an unsuitable animal by a divvy bleeding hearts rescue that should know better.
I hope your cat makes a good recovery QB.

 

[MerrySherryRider]

The OP's cat was on a neighbors which it was welcome on. Our cat was on HER OWN GARDEN.
QB has shown compassion for an old lady who has been stitched up with an unsuitable animal by a divvy bleeding hearts rescue that should know better.
I hope your cat makes a good recovery QB.

Interesting way of looking at it.
Are all animal charities divvy bleeding hearts or just the one's you have personal experience of ? I'm assuming you do know this particular charity ?
How did she show compassion to the old lady exactly ?