Can the police force me to have my dog put down???

[dianes]

Hi everyone, I need some advice please

My hubby has gone down with a virus this week so I have not been able to go out. My son has been coming down to take out dog out for a walk at night. My dog is an 11 yr old beautiful golden retriever, she had always been great with people, children and other dogs and is sooo soft natured. She is wonderful with our 4 grandkids ranging in age from 5months to 8yrs.

Today after lunch my sister called to see me, she suggested we both go for a walk over the fields at the back of us so Tia could have a run. I was a little anxious about this as my hubby is my 'safe person' but agreed to go. I let Tia off the lead and linked my sisters arm. As we were walking I was telling my sister how 'Good' I had done last week.' We had got half way through the field and was passing some bushes when a bloke lunged out of them at us. Everything seemed to happen so fast, he was holding a can of beer and staggered into me with his arm raised, my sister tried to pull me away as I screamed, Tia came out of nowhere and jumped at the bloke and bit his hand. I was shaking like a leaf and a total wreck, my sister grabbed Tia, put her on the lead and dragged me back down the path. 3 more men came out of the bushes and they all started shouting at us, I couldn't understand them, by this time we were running back down the path. With the men following.

I was in total panick, my sister took me to her house as it was nearer and made me a cup of tea. This is the first time Tia has EVER bitten anyone. My sister walked me home after I had calmed down. 2hrs later she was at our door with two police men, one of the men had contacted to police. I had to give a statement as the man had reported my dog. My sister made it worse by telling the police she was going to buy Tia the biggest treat for protecting us. They couldn't tell me what is going to happen and I am worried sick. We can't afford solicitors fees as I had to give up work due to my health yrs ago and am disabled and my hubby is my full time carer. I haven't been able to get throught to the citizens advice. My anxiety is through the roof, do any of you know if the police can force me to have my dog put down because she has bitten someone???? I am going demented over this.

Diane

[Franz]

Diane,

I very much doubt that these cretins would have a leg to stand on in court. It beggars belief that they had the gall to call the police. Even the best natured dog will bite someone if its owner is being threatened.

I don't know the law on this matter, but I'm sure your dog can't be put down just based on some low-life's made-up story.

Sorry I can't be more helpful and I know how worried you must be. Do keep us updated here.

All the best,

Francis

[mf]

Hello Diane

I have fortunately not had this experience so i am not much help but just wanted to say that i really sympathise, i too have a Goldie and they are the most gentle and good natured dogs.. These men were obviously up to no good and the your dog was just protecting you and i am sure the police realise this and in these circumstances your dog would not be put down..I can really understand how you must be feeling.... Sorry i cannot offer you any useful advice but just wanted to offer you some support as you have had such an awful experience but i am sure it will all turn out ok ...
Take care M

[bottleblond]

Hiya Diane,

I doubt very much hun that the police would have you take the dog to be put down. Although this drunk man didn't harm you, he was still psyical toward to and that's something the dog would not have liked.

P.s if i was the dog, i would have bit the bloke too

Love Lisa
xxx

[ksmith]

Surely the police won't take this too seriously? I think the local authority has jurisdiction over issues like this but surely it would be bad PR for them to sue the innocent victims of p.... heads falling out of bushes and frightening two women walking a dog. Isn't it equally an offence to be drinking in public places? Particuarly if they were acting in aggressive manner.

Try not to worry too much. The fact your dog has never bitten before and that there was provocation probably means your dog's safe.

Hope this sorts itself out quickly.

kay

[SueBee]

Common sense says it was a povoked attack and no, they will not make you put your dog down. The only time they can do that is if your dog was on the rampage and savaged someone. This was not the case so I think your dog is safe.

I have a black lab and I know he would protect me too against any stranger.

I honestly dont think you need worry too much.

Keep posting and let us know how you get on

[dianes]

Thanks everyone for your kind messages of support. Apologies for posting this in the WRONG thread I meant to post in Misc. Shows what a state I am in. Don't get me wrong, I am so proud of Tia for protecting us, but am worried about the biting. I did stress to the policeman who took the statement that she had NEVER before bitten anybody or anything, and that we did all get a shock. But he did point out what would she have done if it had been a child? My sister did say a child wouldn't have lunged at us drunk and never mind that he had to have a tetunus, I should take Tia to the vet to see what she might have caught. I know she was angry but this didn't really help at all.

I haven't been able to eat anything tonight as I can't stop worrying. He did say they would get back to us on this matter so we should hear tomorrow I expect.

Hugs to you all

Diane

[Richie]

Hi please please don't worry, your dog was doing what a loyal dog would do.
anybodys dog would do this in the same circumstances.
I'm pretty sure if your dog is reported then they will take all that has happened to you into consideration.
These days we have to do what we can to protect ourselves.!!!!!!!!
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\don't Don't worry love Richie xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[lorac]

Hi Diane

I think any good dog would do the same to protect it's owner if they thought they were being threatend. The police probably only came around to get two sides to the story but I don't think anything will come of it. I am surprised those blokes had the cheek to report it, sounds to me that they were totally at fault not you or the dog.

Try not to worry about it, my dogs would have done exactly the same if they thought I was in trouble. That's what a good dog does.

Love
Carol
xxxx

[SueBee]

Diane, I know I posted before but I have been thinking about your problem. If the worst does happen and the police do go against you, contact your local paper, they would love your story and people find the subject of an innocent animal being subjected to this kind of treatment very emotive. Also contact your local MP ........ I can guarantee you will get all the support you need from your local community. My ex used to work for the police and it is all about PR, they would bow to that kind of bad press ............ doesnt hurt to have a back-up plan eh?!

Best of luck and please do let us know how it goes