Liberal Senator Helen Kroger Injured In Dog Attack

[WreckitWhippet]

How very sad this world has become, when you contain your dogs in your own yard, do the right thing and yet people want you, as the responsible one to be held accountable.

Fortunately, the law is on the Senator's side.

I think she's being pretty gracious about the whole affair.

[Quickasyoucan]

How very sad this world has become, when you contain your dogs in your own yard, do the right thing and yet people want you, as the responsible one to be held accountable.

Fortunately, the law is on the Senator's side.

I think she's being pretty gracious about the whole affair.

I think so too and what people should take out of this is the message "keep your dog contained (regardless of size or breed)" on your own property, then these types of incidents simply would not happen and no one or nothing would be dead or injured.

It still amazes me the number of dogs you see wandering round the streets.

For the record too I nearly lost the use of a finger after a deliberate and sutained bite by a silky terrier. Doesn't mean I think they are all dangerous though. I like to take each dog (and human) on their individual behaviour and merits.

[The Spotted Devil]

How very sad this world has become, when you contain your dogs in your own yard, do the right thing and yet people want you, as the responsible one to be held accountable.

Fortunately, the law is on the Senator's side.

I think she's being pretty gracious about the whole affair.

Agreed.

[Trisven13]

Accidents like this have been happening every day for years- its just that now they are being reported.

Mum to Emma, i am really shocked at your comments.. Small dogs can and do alot of damage too- the most significant scars on my OH's arm were from a 12 week old puppy- not a large dog!!

A fellow DOLer's daughter was savaged by a Shih Tzu at 4 years of age - it tore through her lip and left it gaping plus damage to her chin. Five years later the scars are still visible.

My dogs can easily be unsupervised in my front yard because it is fully fenced. A dog digging into my front yard and greeting my dogs is no different to one doing it in my backyard. I think that Mum to Emma is making an assumption that the Senator's dogs were in an unfenced frontyard without any evidence to that effect.

[NoKillAustralia]

Imagine the brouha if the dog had been a Pit. I wonder if she supported BSL?

[WreckitWhippet]

Imagine the brouha if the dog had been a Pit. I wonder if she supported BSL?

What in the hell has this got to do with BSL ?

Nothing

[poodlemum]

Imagine the brouha if the dog had been a Pit. I wonder if she supported BSL?

What in the hell has this got to do with BSL ?

Nothing

Exactly - but some people NEVER miss an opportunity to get on their hobby-horse!

[WreckitWhippet]

Imagine the brouha if the dog had been a Pit. I wonder if she supported BSL?

What in the hell has this got to do with BSL ?

Nothing

Exactly - but some people NEVER miss an opportunity to get on their hobby-horse!

You'd have thought after years of doing this, that they'd learn to pick their time, place and battles and this is not one of them.

This is about responsible dog ownership not BSL

[SpikesPuppy]

Bloody hell.

I reckon if a strange dog got into my yard, my small terriers would quite possibly do some damage to it if they weren't stopped... not too long ago my Border bitch had a hissy and went for mum's collie (first time she'd initiated and we think due to hormones/protection over her babies), the Collie was lame for 2 days because of bruising on her foreleg The terrier weighs all of 7 kilos.....

Re: the Skye Terrier mentioned above- they would be one of the most serious of all dogs IMO and certainly NOT one I'd want to mess with they have some awesome teeth and the attitude to go with 'em!! Great with their people but equally great at doing what they were bred for- hunting badger.

Just a thought, I wonder if this woman could be one to have on-side regarding the latest legislation issues??? If she's a doggy person..... anyone have any contacts??

[Diva]

Just a thought, I wonder if this woman could be one to have on-side regarding the latest legislation issues??? If she's a doggy person..... anyone have any contacts??

She's a Senator, the only legislation I have seen people concerned about lately is all state so why would she be relevant? The only Commonwealth dog legislation I am aware of is the import bans. But if you want to contact her all her details will be on aph.gov.au (parliament house site)

[SpikesPuppy]

Just a thought, I wonder if this woman could be one to have on-side regarding the latest legislation issues??? If she's a doggy person..... anyone have any contacts??

She's a Senator, the only legislation I have seen people concerned about lately is all state so why would she be relevant? The only Commonwealth dog legislation I am aware of is the import bans. But if you want to contact her all her details will be on aph.gov.au (parliament house site)

I don't want to contact her at the moment (nothing to say), but figure it's handy to know who's a dog-nut and who's not in the political World for future reference. I did not know she was federal, please forgive my ignorance.

[Mum to Emma]

Accidents like this have been happening every day for years- its just that now they are being reported.

Mum to Emma, i am really shocked at your comments.. Small dogs can and do alot of damage too- the most significant scars on my OH's arm were from a 12 week old puppy- not a large dog!!

"Her right leg also has a seven-centimetre gash that may require a skin graft during surgery this evening."

(a) Doesn't sound like the bite of a small dog;

(b) She was holding the Foxy in her arms, from which it bit her face and fingers. How did it bite her leg?

BTW, when was the last time a big dog was mauled to death by 2 small dogs? Not the dog's fault, of course. Big and little dogs have no concept of size when it comes to fighting. However, big dog owners have a greater responsibility to prevent this sort of situation from occurring as the consequences (ie the death of an animal) are so much greater.

[Robbi]

Accidents like this have been happening every day for years- its just that now they are being reported.

Mum to Emma, i am really shocked at your comments.. Small dogs can and do alot of damage too- the most significant scars on my OH's arm were from a 12 week old puppy- not a large dog!!

"Her right leg also has a seven-centimetre gash that may require a skin graft during surgery this evening."

(a) Doesn't sound like the bite of a small dog;

(b) She was holding the Foxy in her arms, from which it bit her face and fingers. How did it bite her leg?

BTW, when was the last time a big dog was mauled to death by 2 small dogs? Not the dog's fault, of course. Big and little dogs have no concept of size when it comes to fighting. However, big dog owners have a greater responsibility to prevent this sort of situation from occurring as the consequences (ie the death of an animal) are so much greater.

;) No, big dog owners dont have a greater responsibility than small dog owners to keep their dogs contained ALL dog owners should be responsible for their dogs welfare and wellbeing.

What part of this incident dont you understand Mum to Emma-the small dog dug under the fence into the other dogs yard, nothing to do with the size of the dogs involved at all. You are coming across in your posts as a dog racist and wont look past breeds and sizes please try to educate yourself that size is not the issue here.

[Mum to Emma]

Accidents like this have been happening every day for years- its just that now they are being reported.

Mum to Emma, i am really shocked at your comments.. Small dogs can and do alot of damage too- the most significant scars on my OH's arm were from a 12 week old puppy- not a large dog!!

"Her right leg also has a seven-centimetre gash that may require a skin graft during surgery this evening."

(a) Doesn't sound like the bite of a small dog;

(b) She was holding the Foxy in her arms, from which it bit her face and fingers. How did it bite her leg?

BTW, when was the last time a big dog was mauled to death by 2 small dogs? Not the dog's fault, of course. Big and little dogs have no concept of size when it comes to fighting. However, big dog owners have a greater responsibility to prevent this sort of situation from occurring as the consequences (ie the death of an animal) are so much greater.

;) No, big dog owners dont have a greater responsibility than small dog owners to keep their dogs contained ALL dog owners should be responsible for their dogs welfare and wellbeing.

What part of this incident dont you understand Mum to Emma-the small dog dug under the fence into the other dogs yard, nothing to do with the size of the dogs involved at all. You are coming across in your posts as a dog racist and wont look past breeds and sizes please try to educate yourself that size is not the issue here.

No where did it say the dog dug under the fence. It was loose - yes, that's inexcusable too. And probably wandered up an open driveway. Yes, all dogs should take responsibility for their dog's actions. BUT if a big dog attacks a little dog, it will most likely kill it. If a little dog attacks a big dog, bites that will heal are the result. Can you not see the difference? If you can't, you're obviously one of those big dog owners who rests confident with the knowledge that nothing with kill THEIR beloved pet. Small dog owners don't have that security.

[Cosmolo]

I met a small dog recently that came very close to killing another dog and have met others that would have if given the chance. Mum to Emma- the puppy i mentioned earlier put significant holes in my OHs arm- 7 cm is actually not that big and can definitely be caused by any size dog. I have seen it a number of times.

ALL dog owners NEED to be responsible. Not just big dog owners, not just small dog owners. I have 2 big dogs, 2 medium size dogs and tomorrow will have a small dog added to our family- i will expect NO less from the small dog than what i expect from the others in terms of behaviour, being contained etc.

Its not a hard concept- ALL dog owners should contain train and socialise. If that was done incidents like this would be far less frequent.

Why do we expect dogs to be toys?? Dog are dogs, dogs can be territorial, dogs can bite when frightened.

ETA I have had 2 dogs try to kill one of my dogs Mum to Emma- i know how that feels and i still hold the view that i do.

Edited February 23, 2010 by Cosmolo

[Robbi]

Accidents like this have been happening every day for years- its just that now they are being reported.

Mum to Emma, i am really shocked at your comments.. Small dogs can and do alot of damage too- the most significant scars on my OH's arm were from a 12 week old puppy- not a large dog!!

"Her right leg also has a seven-centimetre gash that may require a skin graft during surgery this evening."

(a) Doesn't sound like the bite of a small dog;

(b) She was holding the Foxy in her arms, from which it bit her face and fingers. How did it bite her leg?

BTW, when was the last time a big dog was mauled to death by 2 small dogs? Not the dog's fault, of course. Big and little dogs have no concept of size when it comes to fighting. However, big dog owners have a greater responsibility to prevent this sort of situation from occurring as the consequences (ie the death of an animal) are so much greater.

;) No, big dog owners dont have a greater responsibility than small dog owners to keep their dogs contained ALL dog owners should be responsible for their dogs welfare and wellbeing.

What part of this incident dont you understand Mum to Emma-the small dog dug under the fence into the other dogs yard, nothing to do with the size of the dogs involved at all. You are coming across in your posts as a dog racist and wont look past breeds and sizes please try to educate yourself that size is not the issue here.

No where did it say the dog dug under the fence. It was loose - yes, that's inexcusable too. And probably wandered up an open driveway. Yes, all dogs should take responsibility for their dog's actions. BUT if a big dog attacks a little dog, it will most likely kill it. If a little dog attacks a big dog, bites that will heal are the result. Can you not see the difference? If you can't, you're obviously one of those big dog owners who rests confident with the knowledge that nothing with kill THEIR beloved pet. Small dog owners don't have that security.

I am not a big dog owner, I have a Whippet, a Kelpie and a Bull Arabx puppy. during the years my family and I have had dogs we have had everything from a Maltese x to a Staghound, they all have been treated exactly the same and they have all been expected to behave the same. there should be no distinction between big/little dogs anywhere in the community and as dog owners we should all be trying to break down prejudices about dogs not encouraging them.

BTW- the most aggresive arguementative dog we ever had was the Maltese x!!

[poodlefan]

No where did it say the dog dug under the fence

In that news article:

Senator Kroger, the former Victorian state president of the Liberal Party and the ex-wife of Liberal powerbroker Michael Kroger, had returned to her Hawthorn home on Thursday when her neighbour's fox terrier ran under the fence to play with her two dogs.

ABC:

Speaking on Fairfax radio, Senator Kroger said a small fox terrier that lived next door came under her gate and her two dogs attacked it.

Small dog owners don't have that security.

So maybe they should step up and take responsiblity for their dog's safety. This dog entered the neighbouring property.

Your dog, your responsiblity to contain it, REGARDLESS OF ITS SIZE.

Edited February 23, 2010 by poodlefan

[Crisovar]

Accidents like this have been happening every day for years- its just that now they are being reported.

Mum to Emma, i am really shocked at your comments.. Small dogs can and do alot of damage too- the most significant scars on my OH's arm were from a 12 week old puppy- not a large dog!!

"Her right leg also has a seven-centimetre gash that may require a skin graft during surgery this evening."

(a) Doesn't sound like the bite of a small dog;

(b) She was holding the Foxy in her arms, from which it bit her face and fingers. How did it bite her leg?

BTW, when was the last time a big dog was mauled to death by 2 small dogs? Not the dog's fault, of course. Big and little dogs have no concept of size when it comes to fighting. However, big dog owners have a greater responsibility to prevent this sort of situation from occurring as the consequences (ie the death of an animal) are so much greater.

I have a scar longer than that from a dogs dew claw, it was an accident, the fact that she has has injuries from being in the middle of 3 dogs fighting means very little I'm afraid, you get in the middle you risk injury easy.

It certainly doesn't mean her dogs intended to injure her.

My horse injured me when I rescued him from a tangled rug, was he dangerous, NO, but I put myself in a dangerous position.

[Crisovar]

Accidents like this have been happening every day for years- its just that now they are being reported.

Mum to Emma, i am really shocked at your comments.. Small dogs can and do alot of damage too- the most significant scars on my OH's arm were from a 12 week old puppy- not a large dog!!

"Her right leg also has a seven-centimetre gash that may require a skin graft during surgery this evening."

(a) Doesn't sound like the bite of a small dog;

(b) She was holding the Foxy in her arms, from which it bit her face and fingers. How did it bite her leg?

BTW, when was the last time a big dog was mauled to death by 2 small dogs? Not the dog's fault, of course. Big and little dogs have no concept of size when it comes to fighting. However, big dog owners have a greater responsibility to prevent this sort of situation from occurring as the consequences (ie the death of an animal) are so much greater.

Crap, it is the responsibility of all dog owners to contain, restrain and train their dogs.

I suffered terrible injuries as a child from a small dog, any dog is capable of injuring a person or an another animal, theya re DOGS not stuffed toys, regardless of their size they are still dogs.

[Diva]

The original article clearly said it came under the fence. Not up an open driveway, UNDER THE FENCE.

But even if it had come up an open driveway, the responsibility for the small dog's death would still lie with it's owner for not keeping it home.

I feel for their loss and it may have been a terrible accident that enabled it to get into their neighbour's yard. But if you think your animal is more vulnerable to harm because it is small there is an even greater onus on you to stop it putting itself in harm's way. Not to expect that other owners will bear that responsibility for you.

In a shared public space I accept a responsibility to make sure my dogs only interact with other dogs in a safe way. But my own property is not a shared dog space unless I choose it to be. Regardless of how big or small my dogs are.

Edited to fix the typos.

Edited February 24, 2010 by Diva