Call to make dog on dog attacks a specific offence
Petition in the wake of town incident
A LEEK woman is calling for people to sign a petition to make dog on dog attacks a specific criminal offence.
It comes after an incident in Argles Road, Leek on April 22.
Rose Chadwick was visiting her daughter Julianna Proctor’s home when a large dog came up to the front door of the property and attacked her daughter’s miniature dachshund.
The two women tried to release the dogs, but both suffered injuries which required hospital treatment for puncture wounds. Julianna’s dog, Minnie, suffered serious injuries in the attack.
Julianna, who said she had never witnessed such a gruesome situation, said this week: “Minnie has received treatment from the vets for the last four weeks. This entailed a long operation, saline given intravenously, pain relief, various antibiotics as she had MRSA.
“After eight days I was allowed to take her home on the basis I could give her the medication and wash her open wound and to take her to the vets every other day to be checked. The vets were amazed with her recovery, our perseverance and even said she was a miracle.
“She’s now at home with me and enjoying the fuss from everyone. I’m planning on how to socialise her best with other people, dogs and gain more confidence. Medically she has recovered, she’ll have a lot of scars especially around her neck. We are very grateful for the vets at Moorland Veterinary Centre for their perseverance and care, all of our friends and family. I still can’t believe what has happened.
“The online petition is calling for dog on dogs attacks to be a specific criminal offence. We require 10,000 signatures to get a response from the government. There are more than 7,000 signatures already.
“Personally, I want Minnie and other dogs that have been attacked to be recognised as a family member/pet.
“They are not a crime reference number or statistic, they are all unique.”
The petition reads: “Make dog on dog attacks a specific criminal offence.
“I would like the government to change the law so that dog on dog attacks are always considered an offence and the owner/s of the dog that attacks is held responsible for its actions. At present owners can be charged if it is felt the dog is ‘dangerously out of control,’ but often are not.
“The owner/s should be accountable. Where a dog who has caused death or serious injury to another dog, the owner should be subject to fines or a custodial sentence, and a ban on owning dogs in the future, and consideration given to destroying the dog that was out of control.
“This is happening too many times where a dog has attacked more than once and caused severe injury and death.
“Not only traumatic for the dog but to the owner and bystanders who witness such savage behaviour.”
To sign the petition go to: https://petition.parliament.uk/ petitions/568457.