Owners must keep dogs under control

I refer to the letter writer (Feb 20) mauled and pulled to the ground twice by a huge Alsatian in an horrific attack lasting 10 minutes.

His physical and mental scars will remain for some time. Attacks of this nature are not confined to Cork. A&E admissions for dog bite injuries have increased over the years.

While cycling along a country road I was accosted by two dogs of a vicious disposition forcing me to make a hasty retreat amid a volley of barks while their owner showed no concern whatsoever for my personal well-being. Section 9 of the 1986 Control of Dogs Act, states: “The owner or any other person in charge of a dog shall not permit the dog to be in any place other than the premises of the owner unless such owner accompanies it and keeps it under effectual control.”

If one reminds dog owners of their duty to keep their dogs on a leash, there follows a steadfast refusal to rein in the animal, accompanied by the oft repeated cliché: “Ah, he wont touch you” as if that dubious assurance justifies breaking the law. In public parks, dogs roaming freely with the owner’s leads coiled up in their hands are a common sight.

Councils should be given funds to employ extra dog wardens and issue controls against wayward dogs.

Notices requesting dog owners to maintain their dogs on a lead should be posted in all parks. This practice of disrespectful dog owners failing to keep dogs under effectual control is an overall trend in societal behaviour.

Gerry Coughlan

Parkhill West

Kilnamanagh

Dublin