Nic.B

Team Dog were heavily involved in working towards the release of Bonnie and ensured that Hawkesbury staff and volunteers were given the praise that they so deserved in every post about her for the wonderful care of her while she was there. Any person posting disparaging comments about the Pound were corrected and a separate post also put up that was seen by over 10,000 people: Post thanking Hawkesbury staff and volunteers for all they did People should be shit scared about these proposals, no matter what dog they own, or even if they don't own dogs at all. It's as simple as that. Even if it's unlikely your breed will be targeted (pug owners, for instance), these laws have been proven time and time again to actually lessen community safety when it comes to dog attacks. Huge amounts of Council resources are taken up trying to enforce them, which means those resources aren'tbeing put in to the measures that do prevent dog attacks. Just adding one breed to either the menacing or dangerous risk would result in a workload that very few Councils have the resources to carry out effectively. Because this breed stuff is high profile it will be given priority. There won't be Rangers out patrolling the streets for off leash dogs, they'll be knocking on doors making sure that people have put up a 'warning dangerous dog' sign on their property for their dog that will never cause a problem. This means that even as a pug owner, this does pose a risk to you and your dog. Your dog will be more likely to be attacked by other dogs. Your family members or friends will be. This is a community issue, not a 'big dog owner' issue or 'pit bull owner' issue. Every time a community has been apathetic and just 'sat and waited to see' when these suggestions start, has ended in BSL. Every time people haven't taken it seriously and moved on it quickly, it has ended in BSL. The places that have beaten it are the places that get on it at the first whiff of a possibly and take it very seriously, like it should be. As previously mentioned, Team Dog is currently putting together a campaign. I encourage anyone, dog owner or not, to keep an eye on the page and get involved when it goes up. Thank you :) You are an inspiration, there is no doubt about that. The fact is when using social media you are targeting a number of people/groups. You only need one rouge to stir up a bunch of trouble and it is not a good look. All of what I posted happened and if you are associated with that, even via your site you have to admit it is a really poor reflection of what you ultimately hope to achieve. I dont care (sorry) about your posts praising staff as damage control after what eventuated to them. Too late, staff have already dealt with the issues and threats which takes time away from helping all companion animals in their care. Not just restricted breeds which are a minority in the sceam of things for this shelter. I agree it is a community issue, I have spoken about that for years. Though scaring the crap out of people via social media for signatures is not the way to go IMO. Get in touch and network with the bodies who are already involved (other than yourselves) :) Team Dog had absolutely nothing to do with the disgusting behaviour of some individuals in that situation and it's completely offensive to suggest we would. We can't control what other people do and post on facebook, only what happens on our own page. We were just as dismayed and disgusted as you when we heard what had happened late that night, not only because it's unacceptable behaviour but because of how it reflects on the topic as a whole, too. The post praising Hawkesbury staff and volunteers was posted long before any of that happened, and it's also offensive for you to suggest that it was posted as damage control. It was a genuine, heartfelt thanks for the care of a dog we all grew to love. When threats are made, it impacts upon shelters, the other animals in care, volunteers and the staff it is not only taking away from dogs like Bonnie, it takes away from the whole shelter equation. This we can absolutely agree on. Great :)

I dont know Ruthless, as a bull breed lover and owner I personally hate the scare tactics via facebook. My energy is better focussed upon actual Law for my dog. You can muck about, post on facebook etc etc though at the end of the day I must ensure my dog is ok. I will never rely upon social media to help my dog. Never. They simply become an example. I assisted lots of dogs like Bonnie many years ago, never a problem unless there were behavioural issues which is the same for any impounded dog.

My advice is to ensure as a BSL targeted dog owner, to have a very good Lawyer on board who is passionate and is familiar with C/A law. Also, document evertything. Every single thing. If you have great records you will either be ok on the spot or you will have evidence to produce in court.

Team Dog were heavily involved in working towards the release of Bonnie and ensured that Hawkesbury staff and volunteers were given the praise that they so deserved in every post about her for the wonderful care of her while she was there. Any person posting disparaging comments about the Pound were corrected and a separate post also put up that was seen by over 10,000 people: Post thanking Hawkesbury staff and volunteers for all they did People should be shit scared about these proposals, no matter what dog they own, or even if they don't own dogs at all. It's as simple as that. Even if it's unlikely your breed will be targeted (pug owners, for instance), these laws have been proven time and time again to actually lessen community safety when it comes to dog attacks. Huge amounts of Council resources are taken up trying to enforce them, which means those resources aren'tbeing put in to the measures that do prevent dog attacks. Just adding one breed to either the menacing or dangerous risk would result in a workload that very few Councils have the resources to carry out effectively. Because this breed stuff is high profile it will be given priority. There won't be Rangers out patrolling the streets for off leash dogs, they'll be knocking on doors making sure that people have put up a 'warning dangerous dog' sign on their property for their dog that will never cause a problem. This means that even as a pug owner, this does pose a risk to you and your dog. Your dog will be more likely to be attacked by other dogs. Your family members or friends will be. This is a community issue, not a 'big dog owner' issue or 'pit bull owner' issue. Every time a community has been apathetic and just 'sat and waited to see' when these suggestions start, has ended in BSL. Every time people haven't taken it seriously and moved on it quickly, it has ended in BSL. The places that have beaten it are the places that get on it at the first whiff of a possibly and take it very seriously, like it should be. As previously mentioned, Team Dog is currently putting together a campaign. I encourage anyone, dog owner or not, to keep an eye on the page and get involved when it goes up. Thank you :) You are an inspiration, there is no doubt about that. The fact is when using social media you are targeting a number of people/groups. You only need one rouge to stir up a bunch of trouble and it is not a good look. All of what I posted happened and if you are associated with that, even via your site you have to admit it is a really poor reflection of what you ultimately hope to achieve. I dont care (sorry) about your posts praising staff as damage control after what eventuated to them. Too late, staff have already dealt with the issues and threats which takes time away from helping all companion animals in their care. Not just restricted breeds which are a minority in the sceam of things for this shelter. I agree it is a community issue, I have spoken about that for years. Though scaring the crap out of people via social media for signatures is not the way to go IMO. Get in touch and network with the bodies who are already involved (other than yourselves) :) Team Dog had absolutely nothing to do with the disgusting behaviour of some individuals in that situation and it's completely offensive to suggest we would. We can't control what other people do and post on facebook, only what happens on our own page. We were just as dismayed and disgusted as you when we heard what had happened late that night, not only because it's unacceptable behaviour but because of how it reflects on the topic as a whole, too. The post praising Hawkesbury staff and volunteers was posted long before any of that happened, and it's also offensive for you to suggest that it was posted as damage control. It was a genuine, heartfelt thanks for the care of a dog we all grew to love. I am not sugesting you did at all Sorry if I have got it wrong in regard to your post supporting staff at some time during the 3 month stint to help Bonnie. I agree there is no control via social media, which is what I am concerened about esentially. When threats are made, it impacts upon shelters, the other animals in care, volunteers and the staff it is not only taking away from dogs like Bonnie, it takes away from the whole shelter equation.

I have seen an endless number of dogs imounded and restricted. Many were great dogs, in fact, they temp tested better than any non restricted breeds. I do not agree to ANY dog being pts without an independant assesment. I do not agree with placing dogs with issues into the community ever, regardless of size, age or breed. IMO it about getting great people around you, who know what they are doing. Not relying on random facebook posts for support. Nor making threats against the staff who care for the dogs involved. I know some shelters/staff do not give a crap, though this shelter did.

Team Dog were heavily involved in working towards the release of Bonnie and ensured that Hawkesbury staff and volunteers were given the praise that they so deserved in every post about her for the wonderful care of her while she was there. Any person posting disparaging comments about the Pound were corrected and a separate post also put up that was seen by over 10,000 people: Post thanking Hawkesbury staff and volunteers for all they did People should be shit scared about these proposals, no matter what dog they own, or even if they don't own dogs at all. It's as simple as that. Even if it's unlikely your breed will be targeted (pug owners, for instance), these laws have been proven time and time again to actually lessen community safety when it comes to dog attacks. Huge amounts of Council resources are taken up trying to enforce them, which means those resources aren'tbeing put in to the measures that do prevent dog attacks. Just adding one breed to either the menacing or dangerous risk would result in a workload that very few Councils have the resources to carry out effectively. Because this breed stuff is high profile it will be given priority. There won't be Rangers out patrolling the streets for off leash dogs, they'll be knocking on doors making sure that people have put up a 'warning dangerous dog' sign on their property for their dog that will never cause a problem. This means that even as a pug owner, this does pose a risk to you and your dog. Your dog will be more likely to be attacked by other dogs. Your family members or friends will be. This is a community issue, not a 'big dog owner' issue or 'pit bull owner' issue. Every time a community has been apathetic and just 'sat and waited to see' when these suggestions start, has ended in BSL. Every time people haven't taken it seriously and moved on it quickly, it has ended in BSL. The places that have beaten it are the places that get on it at the first whiff of a possibly and take it very seriously, like it should be. As previously mentioned, Team Dog is currently putting together a campaign. I encourage anyone, dog owner or not, to keep an eye on the page and get involved when it goes up. Thank you :) You are an inspiration, there is no doubt about that. The fact is when using social media you are targeting a number of people/groups. You only need one rouge to stir up a bunch of trouble and it is not a good look. All of what I posted happened and if you are associated with that, even via your site you have to admit it is a really poor reflection of what you ultimately hope to achieve. I dont care (sorry) about your posts praising staff as damage control after what eventuated to them. Too late, staff have already dealt with the issues and threats which takes time away from helping all companion animals in their care. Not just restricted breeds which are a minority in the sceam of things for this shelter. I agree it is a community issue, I have spoken about that for years. Though scaring the crap out of people via social media for signatures is not the way to go IMO. Get in touch and network with the bodies who are already involved (other than yourselves) :)

I agree OSO. If one of my two dogs attacked me when I corrected the third and the outcome from either was attacking me, forget it. You are 100% right, there is so much instability and stress in the household. Even worse she does nothing about it. I feel for both dogs, the owner is an idiot.

I was not going to respond to this thread. I own a breed who will be sure to be targeted in the future and this scares the life out of me to be honest. Having said that there needs to be some balance right across the board if anything is to change or move forward. In terms of Bonnie (bless her soul) the shelter she was impounded at and the council who had to oversee her release worked openly and proactively with the people involved. It did not assist Bonnie to make bomb threats where the shelter must be evacuated, nor threats to staff or protesters with signs screaming and hurling abuse. It did not assist Bonnie that it was written all over social media that Bonnie was caged for over three months with no interaction at all which is apparently why she failed the temp test, it is simply not true. People saw Bonnie penned during shelter opening hours yes. Along with the majority of every other dog regardless of breed, size or age who is not lucky enough to spend time with volunteers in the two exercise runs. What the public or others did not see was what happened before opening, during lunch and afterwards for Bonnie. The public do not know how passionate the staff are in their roles, what levels they go to to save the dogs in their care, the crap that they put up with on a daily basis, from rescue, crap dog owners, dog attacks, surrenders, and abuse cases. I have learnt a lot over the years, and scaring the shit out of people might get you started, though it wont get you the result you need and want for the breeds targeted.

I could not contemplate living that way, I just cant. Kids or no kids. Yes it is a difficult decision to pts, esspecially without expert advice on the behaviour and then the behaviourists recomendations (which may include pts), though to ignore and dismiss both, do nothing and continue is pure insanity IMO. She may not have kids now, may never have kids, though what about the community at large? let alone 1000 other things that could eventuate which is well out of their control, they have no control! Having some nice pics taken with the dog that attacked you and a story in the paper does not prove that your dog (or any dog) after attacking you is just fine. I own a large breed, strong dog. She is outstanding in temp, nature, socialbilty and training though I also respect the fact that she is a combo of three breeds, each with specific traits. Every one of those specific breed traits shine through her which I adore about her though it means I have to be extra cautious as her owner. If Fern did to me what this dog has done to his owner, I would give her her wings in my arms and never forget her as long as I live. I just couldnt live that way, and I would not want her to feel the need to live that way either. I adore Fern. Sorry for the long post I think at the end of the day this dog is being humanised. Humans and dogs have bad days though this is absurd, dogs dont think like people. When you transfer your own wants and needs to dogs rather than looking at the dog as dog and individual in various needs/requirements, owner and dog are bound to fail. Very sad as the bites/attacks have escalated quickly and with worse damage. God only knows what will happen next ETA snap Melzawelza, you said it in one sentance. It took me all this :laugh:

Tough one, it sounds as though you have it sorted Jill If it helps others in the future I have learnt a bit about this. While a chip may not (on its own) prove ownership, the combination of chip and rego in someones name, combined with a stat dec declaring that you have been 100% responsible for meeting all of the dogs needs in your care, vet records in your name, any training, puppy school etc etc does hold a huge amount of weight for magistrates, councils and police. Animals are considered property, though if you are able to meet the above the other party will be forced to prove otherwise. Jill, I hope he doesnt pester you. I agree just cut him off and dont respond.

Little puppy + bucket = What if he got in it & it didn't tip over & he couldn't get out ? I would be worried about this as well. Not sure how old your puppy is though be sure his his water bowl (or little pool) are safe for him re size ratio. Perhaps more than one ceramic bowl, pop a hand towel or bath mat underneath to stop the bowls moving around and to catch any water he paddles out :) It has been so hot lately and he has found a new game :) I love the photos of Puck Kirslin, gorgeous!

Thanks Snooppy, Fern is all good and has recovered well though I have no doubt it has had an impact upon her. I am kicking myself for taking her down the road (I don't need to as I am on acres) it was such a nice day and I decided to go a bit further. I adore this dog Not sure how people manage with dog parks, no way I would even contemplate that. Too many variables for me personally.

I am so sorry, why wonderful dog owners and dog lovers go through this sort of turmoil I will never know. It is just not fair. I do know Astro is blessed to have such loving, devoted owners Come on Astro, get better and come home really soon please xx

Having a blub. Even before posting pics of my 15 year old. Yay oldies

Fern has always been great with other dogs, though after this incident she has only mixed with her own pack and dogs/owners I know very well. Believe it or not it was the only walk I had done in our neighbourhood in god knows how long. These dogs meant buisness, I could see that instantly and there was three of them. Fern was bigger than all three though she is a soft, gentle dog (often full of mischeif). I have thought about it a lot since the attack and always wondered if I had done the wrong thing, I can see that I did now. Poor Fern she did exactly what I asked her to do.

This is interesting, thanks. I have always wondered if I had done the wrong thing by putting Fern into a drop when approached by three dogs who did attack. It all happened so quickly, though at the time I thought Ferns size might have intimidated the other dogs and added to their aggresion, so I put her into a drop Poor Ferny.

I am so sorry . Please report to RSPCA, AWL and council Rangers asap and document everything, dates, times, what you witnessed. Advocating on behalf of companion animals is critical in this type of situation.

Yes, though there is a difference between reputable rescue and the rest. Adopting families can not even sift through what is out there, let alone Vets or anyone else. Until rescue is regulated you have no hope. You can meet the best of the best or the worst possible. Both will change your life.

Beautiful, beautiful boy I hope Casper has many more happy moments with you. I am sure he will xx

Well said Steve, Anne and Anna. My vet has discounted all of my rescues which has made a huge difference (for me) and for the dogs, though there is no way I would ever expect a discount on my own dogs vet costs.

How?

That is an odd response

:) Yes

Sorry, I really dont want to sound so negative. Past experience has proven it, no one survives. Sure there are relationships that fall appart/dynamics in rescue at times, not like this though. The list of people burnt by this particular group (or should I say the person who runs it) is endless, volunteers, rescue, vets, adopting families, transport companies, shelters, foster carers, managers of the "rescue" kennels and of course the dogs. I am not looking forward to the day all is exposed as it will be far worse than any of us could ever imagine.

The wheels were never "on' for the particular group (we are all far too familiar with) to begin with. I agree there is probably nothing you can do to assist the new group They will become another 'victim' sooner or later and join the long line of the rest of the people who have been burnt/destroyed after becoming involved.