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Owners warned over lethal dogs

10:02am Thursday 11th October 2007

comment Comments (48)   Have your say »


Just days after a Bradford great-grandmother's pet Yorkshire Terrier was mauled to death by a fighting dog, JIM GREENHALF looks at the attraction of owning such lethal animals

Are deadly dogs bred or born?

The RSPCA's view seems to be that lethal dogs are bred not born.

This is what one anonymous spokesman told the Telegraph & Argus earlier this year: "The Dangerous Dogs Act goes against the RSPCA's belief that the focus should be on the deed, not the breed.

"Any dog has the potential to attack, but it is the training that should be questioned, not the type of dog. We urge owners to be responsible and keep their dog under control at all times."

Isn't this like saying that tigers are not inherently dangerous, it just depends on how well they are treated?

Put another way, how many people are attacked and either seriously mauled or killed by, say, golden retrievers, chows or spaniels?

The RSPCA spokesman goes on: "Dog owners should train their pets to be sociable, and by doing this potentially dangerous situations can be avoided.

"If dogs and children are sharing the same environment, everyone needs to be aware of the potential risk. Some dogs are wonderful with children, others might react if provoked."

Dr Colin Gill, a chartered psychologist in Bradford, said: "It's an interesting phenomenon because it probably goes right back to the Stone Age when Man hunted with dogs.

"The evidence suggests that these dogs are the poor man's Ferrari in many respects.

"It's a ready sign of status, an easy way of demonstrating one has some money because these dogs are quite expensive to buy and maintain. You're looking at £30 or £40 a week for food alone because these dogs don't eat salad sandwiches. They are wolves.

"The mentality of a dog is not the same as a human being. A dog is a wolf. Humans have what I call different mental blades to other animals, but we get anthropophomorphic in terms of a dog's drives.

"So when we see a dog is playing it seems childlike to us, whereas in fact the dog is honing its hunting skills."

Five-year-old Ellie Lawrenson was mauled to death by her uncle's pit bull terrier on New Year's Day. The same dog attacked the little girl's grandma too. In September last year two Rotweillers attacked and killed five-month-old Cadey-Lee Deacon.

Fifteen years after Rukhsana Khan was taken to hospital with more than 30 wounds after being attacked by a raging pit bull near her home in Manningham, she still has nightmares.

She was six years old at the time of the attack which also left her battered and bruised from being hurled about by the dog. A group of men had to use sticks and bricks to get the dog to release Rukhsana.

Terry Singh, Bradford Council's dog and animal services manager, takes the view that just as there are good people and bad people there are good dogs and bad dogs in all breeds.

"We should not be targeting any specific breed," he said. "The problem is not the dog but the dog owner who fails to keep their pet under proper control. Some dog owners believe that their dog or dogs would not act aggressively and often become complacent. This can create a false sense of security. Dogs can be faithful companions, but only if you are prepared to spend time with your dog.

"All dogs have the potential to be dangerous. Dog owners should be aware that any dog can be unpredictable and needs to be supervised at all times."

Bradford's Elizabeth Hellmich, founder of the Safe Areas For Everyone project, said: "Just how many innocent children and adults have to suffer or die because yet again the Government does not act?

"Bradford is becoming a place where dogs rule and people must beware. Criminal prosecutions are few and far between."

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Your Say YourBradford Telegraph and Argus

Andy Bairsto, Bradford says...
10:10am Thu 11 Oct 07

They are to compensate for the owners only having a small brain or Pr??? or maybe both.

Report this post »

Andy Bairsto, Bradford says...
10:10am Thu 11 Oct 07

They are to compensate for the owners only having a small brain or Pr??? or maybe both.

Report this post »

Andy Bairsto, Bradford says...
10:10am Thu 11 Oct 07

They are to compensate for the owners only having a small brain or Pr??? or maybe both.

Report this post »

Andy Bairsto, Bradford says...
10:10am Thu 11 Oct 07

They are to compensate for the owners only having a small brain or Pr??? or maybe both.

Report this post »

Terry, Wyke says...
10:20am Thu 11 Oct 07

muzzle all dogs when in public areas, that way nobody gets bitten while the dog is exercised.
As for the dog attacking family members, the parents should have more sense than to let the kids near an animal that has potential to be dangerous.
When a dog attacks the owner should be punnished severely with charge prison to give them time to think if these dogs are worth having.
If found exercising without a muzzle then fine them a large amount, they should be able to afford as the dogs arnt cheap.
Whatever is decided, something needs to be done.

Report this post »

Terry, Wyke says...
10:20am Thu 11 Oct 07

muzzle all dogs when in public areas, that way nobody gets bitten while the dog is exercised.
As for the dog attacking family members, the parents should have more sense than to let the kids near an animal that has potential to be dangerous.
When a dog attacks the owner should be punnished severely with charge prison to give them time to think if these dogs are worth having.
If found exercising without a muzzle then fine them a large amount, they should be able to afford as the dogs arnt cheap.
Whatever is decided, something needs to be done.

Report this post »

Terry, Wyke says...
10:20am Thu 11 Oct 07

muzzle all dogs when in public areas, that way nobody gets bitten while the dog is exercised.
As for the dog attacking family members, the parents should have more sense than to let the kids near an animal that has potential to be dangerous.
When a dog attacks the owner should be punnished severely with charge prison to give them time to think if these dogs are worth having.
If found exercising without a muzzle then fine them a large amount, they should be able to afford as the dogs arnt cheap.
Whatever is decided, something needs to be done.

Report this post »

Terry, Wyke says...
10:20am Thu 11 Oct 07

muzzle all dogs when in public areas, that way nobody gets bitten while the dog is exercised.
As for the dog attacking family members, the parents should have more sense than to let the kids near an animal that has potential to be dangerous.
When a dog attacks the owner should be punnished severely with charge prison to give them time to think if these dogs are worth having.
If found exercising without a muzzle then fine them a large amount, they should be able to afford as the dogs arnt cheap.
Whatever is decided, something needs to be done.

Report this post »

sajenkin, Odsal says...
10:22am Thu 11 Oct 07

the problem with the dangerous dogs act is in trying to accurately identify the breed of a dog. Whilst clearly there are breeds that are more prone to aggression, all dogs can be safe and faithful companions if properly trained and cared for.
The only practical approach is to firmly prosecute any owner who doesnt recognise their responsibilities in controlling their animal. You can ban all the dogs you like but there will be cross breeds that will escape the ban and unscrupulous types that will ignore it. The police would need far more resources than they currently have in order to effectively control the problem.

Report this post »

sajenkin, Odsal says...
10:22am Thu 11 Oct 07

the problem with the dangerous dogs act is in trying to accurately identify the breed of a dog. Whilst clearly there are breeds that are more prone to aggression, all dogs can be safe and faithful companions if properly trained and cared for.
The only practical approach is to firmly prosecute any owner who doesnt recognise their responsibilities in controlling their animal. You can ban all the dogs you like but there will be cross breeds that will escape the ban and unscrupulous types that will ignore it. The police would need far more resources than they currently have in order to effectively control the problem.

Report this post »

sajenkin, Odsal says...
10:22am Thu 11 Oct 07

the problem with the dangerous dogs act is in trying to accurately identify the breed of a dog. Whilst clearly there are breeds that are more prone to aggression, all dogs can be safe and faithful companions if properly trained and cared for.
The only practical approach is to firmly prosecute any owner who doesnt recognise their responsibilities in controlling their animal. You can ban all the dogs you like but there will be cross breeds that will escape the ban and unscrupulous types that will ignore it. The police would need far more resources than they currently have in order to effectively control the problem.

Report this post »

sajenkin, Odsal says...
10:22am Thu 11 Oct 07

the problem with the dangerous dogs act is in trying to accurately identify the breed of a dog. Whilst clearly there are breeds that are more prone to aggression, all dogs can be safe and faithful companions if properly trained and cared for.
The only practical approach is to firmly prosecute any owner who doesnt recognise their responsibilities in controlling their animal. You can ban all the dogs you like but there will be cross breeds that will escape the ban and unscrupulous types that will ignore it. The police would need far more resources than they currently have in order to effectively control the problem.

Report this post »

maxa, bradford says...
10:47am Thu 11 Oct 07

the other day I chose to visit our centenary square to stop and stare.I was shocked by the air of intimidation generated by young men with hard looking dogs.
All this in front of the Town Hall....where were the councillors,police,
PCSOs?

Report this post »

maxa, bradford says...
10:47am Thu 11 Oct 07

the other day I chose to visit our centenary square to stop and stare.I was shocked by the air of intimidation generated by young men with hard looking dogs.
All this in front of the Town Hall....where were the councillors,police,
PCSOs?

Report this post »

maxa, bradford says...
10:47am Thu 11 Oct 07

the other day I chose to visit our centenary square to stop and stare.I was shocked by the air of intimidation generated by young men with hard looking dogs.
All this in front of the Town Hall....where were the councillors,police,
PCSOs?

Report this post »

maxa, bradford says...
10:47am Thu 11 Oct 07

the other day I chose to visit our centenary square to stop and stare.I was shocked by the air of intimidation generated by young men with hard looking dogs.
All this in front of the Town Hall....where were the councillors,police,
PCSOs?

Report this post »

Terry, Wyke says...
10:49am Thu 11 Oct 07

All dogs must be muzzled while in public, no special treatment for corgis, terriers or pit bulls, they all have the teeth to do damage to a child.
Easy solution.

Report this post »

Terry, Wyke says...
10:49am Thu 11 Oct 07

All dogs must be muzzled while in public, no special treatment for corgis, terriers or pit bulls, they all have the teeth to do damage to a child.
Easy solution.

Report this post »

Terry, Wyke says...
10:49am Thu 11 Oct 07

All dogs must be muzzled while in public, no special treatment for corgis, terriers or pit bulls, they all have the teeth to do damage to a child.
Easy solution.

Report this post »

Terry, Wyke says...
10:49am Thu 11 Oct 07

All dogs must be muzzled while in public, no special treatment for corgis, terriers or pit bulls, they all have the teeth to do damage to a child.
Easy solution.

Report this post »

victor, outer limits says...
11:54am Thu 11 Oct 07

maxa wrote:
the other day I chose to visit our centenary square to stop and stare.I was shocked by the air of intimidation generated by young men with hard looking dogs. All this in front of the Town Hall....where were the councillors,police, PCSOs?
its not yet against the law, so they couldnt have done anything.

Report this post »

victor, outer limits says...
11:54am Thu 11 Oct 07

maxa wrote:
the other day I chose to visit our centenary square to stop and stare.I was shocked by the air of intimidation generated by young men with hard looking dogs. All this in front of the Town Hall....where were the councillors,police, PCSOs?
its not yet against the law, so they couldnt have done anything.

Report this post »

victor, outer limits says...
11:54am Thu 11 Oct 07

maxa wrote:
the other day I chose to visit our centenary square to stop and stare.I was shocked by the air of intimidation generated by young men with hard looking dogs. All this in front of the Town Hall....where were the councillors,police, PCSOs?
its not yet against the law, so they couldnt have done anything.

Report this post »

victor, outer limits says...
11:54am Thu 11 Oct 07

maxa wrote:
the other day I chose to visit our centenary square to stop and stare.I was shocked by the air of intimidation generated by young men with hard looking dogs. All this in front of the Town Hall....where were the councillors,police, PCSOs?
its not yet against the law, so they couldnt have done anything.

Report this post »

simone, bradford says...
12:17pm Thu 11 Oct 07

i think the law on banning pitbulls is wrong.loke the man said in the paper if the dog is brought up good and has training they can live without any problem.more akitas attack in my area than pitbulls.and there are at least 20 pitbulls in my area.and the ones ive come into contact with have been fine.apart from the ones that have been brought up by young wanabes.i have a dog, he lives outside even at night.he barks at everyone that goes past,but i have a 6 foot fence and he is on a long chain.i no my dog wouldnt harm anybody unless they came into my garden on his territory.LIFT THE BAN ON PITBULLS.GET ALL DOGS MICROCHIPPED.

Report this post »

simone, bradford says...
12:17pm Thu 11 Oct 07

i think the law on banning pitbulls is wrong.loke the man said in the paper if the dog is brought up good and has training they can live without any problem.more akitas attack in my area than pitbulls.and there are at least 20 pitbulls in my area.and the ones ive come into contact with have been fine.apart from the ones that have been brought up by young wanabes.i have a dog, he lives outside even at night.he barks at everyone that goes past,but i have a 6 foot fence and he is on a long chain.i no my dog wouldnt harm anybody unless they came into my garden on his territory.LIFT THE BAN ON PITBULLS.GET ALL DOGS MICROCHIPPED.

Report this post »

simone, bradford says...
12:17pm Thu 11 Oct 07

i think the law on banning pitbulls is wrong.loke the man said in the paper if the dog is brought up good and has training they can live without any problem.more akitas attack in my area than pitbulls.and there are at least 20 pitbulls in my area.and the ones ive come into contact with have been fine.apart from the ones that have been brought up by young wanabes.i have a dog, he lives outside even at night.he barks at everyone that goes past,but i have a 6 foot fence and he is on a long chain.i no my dog wouldnt harm anybody unless they came into my garden on his territory.LIFT THE BAN ON PITBULLS.GET ALL DOGS MICROCHIPPED.

Report this post »

simone, bradford says...
12:17pm Thu 11 Oct 07

i think the law on banning pitbulls is wrong.loke the man said in the paper if the dog is brought up good and has training they can live without any problem.more akitas attack in my area than pitbulls.and there are at least 20 pitbulls in my area.and the ones ive come into contact with have been fine.apart from the ones that have been brought up by young wanabes.i have a dog, he lives outside even at night.he barks at everyone that goes past,but i have a 6 foot fence and he is on a long chain.i no my dog wouldnt harm anybody unless they came into my garden on his territory.LIFT THE BAN ON PITBULLS.GET ALL DOGS MICROCHIPPED.

Report this post »

Me Here, Buttershaw says...
1:17pm Thu 11 Oct 07

I have a terrier, and altohugh she is a brilliant family dog I would not leave her alone with a child she did not know i.e one of my own kids, and I never say that she would not bite if someone asks. She probably never will, but why take the chance? I think all dogs should be microchipped so that owners can be held responsble and big fines should be used if dogs are allowed to raom the street or attack anyone.

Report this post »

Me Here, Buttershaw says...
1:17pm Thu 11 Oct 07

I have a terrier, and altohugh she is a brilliant family dog I would not leave her alone with a child she did not know i.e one of my own kids, and I never say that she would not bite if someone asks. She probably never will, but why take the chance? I think all dogs should be microchipped so that owners can be held responsble and big fines should be used if dogs are allowed to raom the street or attack anyone.

Report this post »

Me Here, Buttershaw says...
1:17pm Thu 11 Oct 07

I have a terrier, and altohugh she is a brilliant family dog I would not leave her alone with a child she did not know i.e one of my own kids, and I never say that she would not bite if someone asks. She probably never will, but why take the chance? I think all dogs should be microchipped so that owners can be held responsble and big fines should be used if dogs are allowed to raom the street or attack anyone.

Report this post »

Me Here, Buttershaw says...
1:17pm Thu 11 Oct 07

I have a terrier, and altohugh she is a brilliant family dog I would not leave her alone with a child she did not know i.e one of my own kids, and I never say that she would not bite if someone asks. She probably never will, but why take the chance? I think all dogs should be microchipped so that owners can be held responsble and big fines should be used if dogs are allowed to raom the street or attack anyone.

Report this post »

Till, says...
4:12pm Thu 11 Oct 07

Once again Mr Singh is spending his time doing media interviews instead of doing his job of being a dog warden!!What rubbish he speaks, for example "We should not be targeting any specific breed,"
Of course we should be targeting specific breeds. We all know which ones they are and they are bred to fight and be aggresive, except it would appear our Mr Singh the senior dog warden who does not appear to even comprehend the basics.

Report this post »

Till, says...
4:12pm Thu 11 Oct 07

Once again Mr Singh is spending his time doing media interviews instead of doing his job of being a dog warden!!What rubbish he speaks, for example "We should not be targeting any specific breed,"
Of course we should be targeting specific breeds. We all know which ones they are and they are bred to fight and be aggresive, except it would appear our Mr Singh the senior dog warden who does not appear to even comprehend the basics.

Report this post »

Till, says...
4:12pm Thu 11 Oct 07

Once again Mr Singh is spending his time doing media interviews instead of doing his job of being a dog warden!!What rubbish he speaks, for example "We should not be targeting any specific breed,"
Of course we should be targeting specific breeds. We all know which ones they are and they are bred to fight and be aggresive, except it would appear our Mr Singh the senior dog warden who does not appear to even comprehend the basics.

Report this post »

Till, says...
4:12pm Thu 11 Oct 07

Once again Mr Singh is spending his time doing media interviews instead of doing his job of being a dog warden!!What rubbish he speaks, for example "We should not be targeting any specific breed,"
Of course we should be targeting specific breeds. We all know which ones they are and they are bred to fight and be aggresive, except it would appear our Mr Singh the senior dog warden who does not appear to even comprehend the basics.

Report this post »

spinnekop, Yorkshire says...
8:14pm Thu 11 Oct 07

All dogs shoud be chipped, gene tested and licenced. Paid for by the owners, ear tagged to show they are and muzzled in public. More wardens should be employed and any unlicenced dog should be destroyed. Enough is enough.

Report this post »

spinnekop, Yorkshire says...
8:14pm Thu 11 Oct 07

All dogs shoud be chipped, gene tested and licenced. Paid for by the owners, ear tagged to show they are and muzzled in public. More wardens should be employed and any unlicenced dog should be destroyed. Enough is enough.

Report this post »

spinnekop, Yorkshire says...
8:14pm Thu 11 Oct 07

All dogs shoud be chipped, gene tested and licenced. Paid for by the owners, ear tagged to show they are and muzzled in public. More wardens should be employed and any unlicenced dog should be destroyed. Enough is enough.

Report this post »

spinnekop, Yorkshire says...
8:14pm Thu 11 Oct 07

All dogs shoud be chipped, gene tested and licenced. Paid for by the owners, ear tagged to show they are and muzzled in public. More wardens should be employed and any unlicenced dog should be destroyed. Enough is enough.

Report this post »

hildamay1, keighley says...
8:55pm Thu 11 Oct 07

As a child my family had an english bull terrier which lived in the house with kids and 2 small spaniels and you could not have asked for a better dog she never once so much as look at us in the wrong way. Now i have a akita and she is a great family member i have 5 children aged from 1 to 8 years old she has never shown her teeth once she is fantastic she has been brought up the right way. The owners should be the ones that are punished because they are idiots that make their dogs the way they are.But i do believe that no dog should be left to roam on their own as all dogs can bite they may not all kill be they can destroy someones life.

Report this post »

hildamay1, keighley says...
8:55pm Thu 11 Oct 07

As a child my family had an english bull terrier which lived in the house with kids and 2 small spaniels and you could not have asked for a better dog she never once so much as look at us in the wrong way. Now i have a akita and she is a great family member i have 5 children aged from 1 to 8 years old she has never shown her teeth once she is fantastic she has been brought up the right way. The owners should be the ones that are punished because they are idiots that make their dogs the way they are.But i do believe that no dog should be left to roam on their own as all dogs can bite they may not all kill be they can destroy someones life.

Report this post »

hildamay1, keighley says...
8:55pm Thu 11 Oct 07

As a child my family had an english bull terrier which lived in the house with kids and 2 small spaniels and you could not have asked for a better dog she never once so much as look at us in the wrong way. Now i have a akita and she is a great family member i have 5 children aged from 1 to 8 years old she has never shown her teeth once she is fantastic she has been brought up the right way. The owners should be the ones that are punished because they are idiots that make their dogs the way they are.But i do believe that no dog should be left to roam on their own as all dogs can bite they may not all kill be they can destroy someones life.

Report this post »

hildamay1, keighley says...
8:55pm Thu 11 Oct 07

As a child my family had an english bull terrier which lived in the house with kids and 2 small spaniels and you could not have asked for a better dog she never once so much as look at us in the wrong way. Now i have a akita and she is a great family member i have 5 children aged from 1 to 8 years old she has never shown her teeth once she is fantastic she has been brought up the right way. The owners should be the ones that are punished because they are idiots that make their dogs the way they are.But i do believe that no dog should be left to roam on their own as all dogs can bite they may not all kill be they can destroy someones life.

Report this post »

Woody, Manningham says...
10:38pm Thu 11 Oct 07

hildamay1 wrote:
As a child my family had an english bull terrier which lived in the house with kids and 2 small spaniels and you could not have asked for a better dog she never once so much as look at us in the wrong way. Now i have a akita and she is a great family member i have 5 children aged from 1 to 8 years old she has never shown her teeth once she is fantastic she has been brought up the right way. The owners should be the ones that are punished because they are idiots that make their dogs the way they are.But i do believe that no dog should be left to roam on their own as all dogs can bite they may not all kill be they can destroy someones life.
5 young kids and an akita? Never shown her teeth once? ...erm...not yet. It would take seconds to bite a baby's head off, muzzle the dog or get rid of it, you idiot!

Report this post »

Woody, Manningham says...
10:38pm Thu 11 Oct 07

hildamay1 wrote:
As a child my family had an english bull terrier which lived in the house with kids and 2 small spaniels and you could not have asked for a better dog she never once so much as look at us in the wrong way. Now i have a akita and she is a great family member i have 5 children aged from 1 to 8 years old she has never shown her teeth once she is fantastic she has been brought up the right way. The owners should be the ones that are punished because they are idiots that make their dogs the way they are.But i do believe that no dog should be left to roam on their own as all dogs can bite they may not all kill be they can destroy someones life.
5 young kids and an akita? Never shown her teeth once? ...erm...not yet. It would take seconds to bite a baby's head off, muzzle the dog or get rid of it, you idiot!

Report this post »

Woody, Manningham says...
10:38pm Thu 11 Oct 07

hildamay1 wrote:
As a child my family had an english bull terrier which lived in the house with kids and 2 small spaniels and you could not have asked for a better dog she never once so much as look at us in the wrong way. Now i have a akita and she is a great family member i have 5 children aged from 1 to 8 years old she has never shown her teeth once she is fantastic she has been brought up the right way. The owners should be the ones that are punished because they are idiots that make their dogs the way they are.But i do believe that no dog should be left to roam on their own as all dogs can bite they may not all kill be they can destroy someones life.
5 young kids and an akita? Never shown her teeth once? ...erm...not yet. It would take seconds to bite a baby's head off, muzzle the dog or get rid of it, you idiot!

Report this post »

Woody, Manningham says...
10:38pm Thu 11 Oct 07

hildamay1 wrote:
As a child my family had an english bull terrier which lived in the house with kids and 2 small spaniels and you could not have asked for a better dog she never once so much as look at us in the wrong way. Now i have a akita and she is a great family member i have 5 children aged from 1 to 8 years old she has never shown her teeth once she is fantastic she has been brought up the right way. The owners should be the ones that are punished because they are idiots that make their dogs the way they are.But i do believe that no dog should be left to roam on their own as all dogs can bite they may not all kill be they can destroy someones life.
5 young kids and an akita? Never shown her teeth once? ...erm...not yet. It would take seconds to bite a baby's head off, muzzle the dog or get rid of it, you idiot!

Report this post »

Comments are closed on this article.

Are dangerous dogs bred or born that way?

Are dangerous dogs bred or born that way?



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