Dog attacks continue in Islington

Sadly it seems that dog attacks are becoming even more common in Islington. In recent weeks I have heard reports of a Yorkie being killed just off Essex Road, a Bedlington Terrier being attacked twice - once on Upper Street and once on Chapel Market and now a Lhasa-Apso being killed on York Way.

Unfortunately even when these incidents are reported to the police little is done. The owner of two dogs which attacked a local terrier was visited by the police but protested that his dogs had never attacked before. As local dog owners know this was untrue - but unfortunately as the previous victims had not contacted the police there was no evidence to disprove the owner's assertions.

Frustratingly these two dogs continue to be exercised off the lead and unmuzzled in the park where the attack took place. Having spoken to the police they confirmed that this was permitted and they could only intervene if the dogs were reported as dangerously out of control. When I suggested that a dog which has a history of vicious attacks and which is allowed to run around loose and unmuzzled could be considered the very definition of dangerous and out of control I was told this simply isn't the case.

I strongly encourage all dog owners in the Islington area who are victims of dog attacks to let the Barnsbury Dog Blog know of their experiences, even if they do not wish to involve the police.

BBC3 - my weapon is a dog

Last night there was a great programme on BBC3 which dealt with the phenomenon of 'dangerous' dogs being used as weapons. If you have the time to watch it then please do, it's very pertinent not only to this blog but to the situation with dogs in cities more generally.

There's still time to watch the programme both on iPlayer and over the next few days when it is shown at the following times:

1. Thu 21 May 2009
   21:00
   BBC Three
2. Fri 22 May 2009
   00:15
   BBC Three
3. Sun 24 May 2009
   00:05
   BBC Three
4. Sun 24 May 2009
   04:05
   BBC Three
5. Mon 25 May 2009
   00:15
   BBC Three
6. Mon 25 May 2009
   04:35
   BBC Three
7. Wed 27 May 2009
   02:15
   BBC Three

Dogsbite - common sense information about dangerous dogs

For further information on dangerous dogs and the potentially devastating impact they can have take a look at 'Dogsbite'. Particular mention is made of The Dangerous Dog Act's failure to ban the group of breeds which are typically considered to be pit bulls.