Be aware of possibility of dog pack formation

REGARDING the report of dogs killing a man at Panguru (Northland).

In my experience, dogs will group into a pack and then their behaviour alters, dangerously.

Some years ago I lived in Christchurch. On 21 May 2005 when I was 66, I went for a walk on the western side of the Christchurch estuary. I'm 6ft tall.

I noticed three mediumsized dogs ahead of me, pointlessly chasing a huge flock of swans in the water — and then they spotted me.

Their behaviour became coordinated, they became a pack, and they surrounded me at equal spacing. I was the focus of their attention and I was now in trouble. I realised that I had to exhibit no fear, and needed to take control. I decided to target the largest which was also close to me.

I used loud language such as a bossy human might use, and words they might have heard, such as ‘‘Go Home’’. I pretended to pick up weapons such as stones and sticks (there were none) because I expected that they would be familiar with such actions.

To my great relief my bluffs worked. I forget how the next couple of minutes progressed, but within 5 minutes the three dogs regrouped and together they ran away from me down a pathway westward to Bromley.

If it had been a child there and not me, the outcome would probably have been a tragedy.

I have no idea how well these dogs knew each other and how many people they ‘‘belonged’’ to.

I also have no idea how to predict when dangerous pack behaviour will develop at any time. But it does happen.

Communities sometimes need to be aware of the possibility of pack formation with dogs, and take action. B. Swale

Clyde ...................................

I have loved you with an everlasting love. — Jeremiah 31:3.