emilydrab

I've spoken to the police and the reason they didn't raise the issue of this case at the meeting was because the case wasn't complete. By the next meeting we'll be able to talk about it. I must say I'm really happy with the way they have dealt with the whole incident. They did take it seriously and did take action. Go the SNT!

PS I can't understand why the police at the meeting say they don't know about the case when they've been so heavily involved. Two policemen have been round to see me and they've taken action against the owner. This is really strange. I'm going to email them and ask. I think this must be a case of non joined up thinking which is not a good thing to help sort out problems like this in the future.

Oh sadly I didn't see the message that the meeting was changed. Just to tell anyone new to this debate who didn't see my earlier post (I'm the owner of the poor dog that got attacked, Woody) that it was reported to the police on the day it happened - there was no way I was just going to let this just happen without taking action. And I've got some update for followers of this thread. The police told me yesterday that the dog who attacked Woody is going to be destroyed. Apparently the owner of Monty the American bulldog took his dog to be put down a couple of days after the incident - I was really pleased to hear this as it showed he wasn't so uncaring as he seemed at the time of the attack. Apparently the vet wouldn't put him down immediately because he hadn't attacked a human but they took the dog off the owner. But now the police are involved the dog is going to be destroyed. It's sad to think of a dog dying but I can't see how any amount of training would take away the instinct of this dog to want to kill other little dogs and maybe move onto kids you could see it in the dog's eyes - I am sure it's the right decision. Other news is that Woody is recovering well, the light has come back into his eyes and I'm sure he's going to be all right even if he does have a limp. Thanks to everyone for their support through this nightmare.

VikkiM - thanks for this info on the next SNT Peckham Rye meeting on 17 March. I'm definitely going to go and I want to urge everyone who has been upset by my horrible story to come along too. It's just not fair that people should feel intimidated by dangerous dogs. I've been thinking about this so much as I stroke my poor little wounded Woody who may never enjoy our beautiful park again. What I would like to see is a zero tolerance attitude to owners of dogs that attack other dogs. It's outrageous the dog that attacked Woody has attacked many other dogs in the past. Most dogs love other dogs, obviously there can be tussles between dogs that annoy eachother - but anyone who has ever seen a dog attack another one knows the difference between a tussle and an attack by a dangerous dog. Believe me, it's a very big difference. I think there should be signs up in the park saying it has a zero tolerance policy to dangerous dogs and that if your dog is likely to attack other dogs it must be on a lead and muzzled. If owners can't comply then the SNT should be called (and numbers prominently on display in the park) who can take action. I know one woman in the park (I don't know her name) whose dog has been attacked three times by the same dog which is called harry potter on Peckham Rye. Her dog is a poor nervous creature now and always on the lead - it barks when another dog gets too close - it's tragic to see and I hope to God my dog Woody isn't just like that when he can go out. Apparently that dog has been banned from Highgate cemetary so any dogs that have attacked another dog should banned from Peckham Rye. The SNT are taking dog attacks very seriously, but the law is tricky in this area. I don't claim to have all the answers but there must be a solution if we put our heads together and force action. Believe me, I don't want anyone else to go through what I have in the last ten days. once again, thanks to everyone for their supportive messages throughout the forum.

Thanks for The collar tip xx

I've got my little Woody back at home with me now. He looks a real sight and is feeling really sorry for himself with his leg in plaster and huge sewn up bites marks on his back and side. But he is already hobbling along to go the toilet in the garden. I'm having to give him water through a children's medicine dispencer as he won't drink out of his bowl - the plastic collar he's wearing to stop him pulling out his stitches or messing with his leg doesn't help as he can't really get his nose in the bowl - being a long nosed boy he often drinks out of a cup but he won't even do that. Poor little boy - and he hates being locked up in his crate which I have to do unless I'm sitting right by him. Still sleep is the thing that's going to heal him the most - sleep and inactivity. The Safer Neighbourhood police officer are dealing with this and I'll let you know when I hear more.

Woody had a big operation today and it went really well. The specialist vet thinks she's been able to fix the bones without putting a plate in the joint - which means that if all goes well and Woody recovers nicely he should get full use of his leg back. He's going to need a lot of care and love, crating and later possibly lots of swimming to get through it xxxx thanks for all your kind words and messages. I'll keep everyone posted on what the Safer NEighbourhood team and Met come up with - they've been really interested and good so far. xxxx

In reply to Daizie - it may have been the same dog with the man I saw's son. Apparently the dog is actually his son's dog according to another edf user. I'm going to take this as far as I possibily can - this dog has obviously attacked so many dogs and a child could be next.

An update on Woody. He's on a drip staying the night at my vet's in Norwood. He's stable and the vet said he will pull through and should be able to walk again with physio. He needs to have a major orthepedic operation first. All his bites are being drained and dealt with. He's only just had his first birthday and my heart is just broken that my plucky little friend is so horribly injured - as all dog lovers will understand I know. LAst night I slept on my kitchen floor next to his crate and he whimpered and cried all night. I don't even know if either us will have the courage to even walk in the park again after this or if he'll be able to. But I'll do anything in my power to stop this man and others with dangerous dogs ruining everyone's lives. I hope if I do make it to the park in six months time or however long it takes that any of you come and say hello, your messages of support have meant so much to us.

Yes I've told the police all I know, where the owner works etc. I don't know how seriously they will take it and what they can do. I'm definitely going to take it as far as I can and alsoo involve the safer neighbourhood teams and RSPCA. As you say in your post, it could have easily been a child in reigns. The more I hear on the forum the angrier I get that this man has been terrorising people over time with his aggressive dog. He shoudl at the very least be forced to put it on a lead and wear a muzzle. It would be great if you could use your political power in this area. It's obviously something many people feel very strongly about - and of course they'll be loads of dog walkers who will have similar stories to tell that don't use this forum. This is just the tip of the iceberg. I know in Northern Ireland a politician (can't remember who or which party ) has made dangerous dogs a cental point of her manifesto. It really is a big issue here isn't it?

Thanks to everyone for all their supportive and helpful messages. I means so much to me, seriously. Little Woody is now nearly asleep in his crate - he's not allowed out of there - with his leg in a huge splint and a gaping wound in his side. I'm going to the vet's again tomorrow morning and she'll decide what's next - surgery by a specialist definitely. He's eaten some chicken so that's a good sign. Poor little guy, feel so, so sorry for him xxxx

I'll be fascinated to get your message about this. I'm not at all surprised to hear this dog has attacked before. I didn't think about calling the RSPCA about this but maybe I should. If your friend has more details of the guy and it's (at least) his second offence then this may mean I'll have more of a chance of getting him prosecuted. THank you so much

All these messages of support mean so much to us. Thank you so much. It's so devastating when something like this happens isn't it? Yes the owner of the dog was white, about 5 foot ten and of slim build. Very distinctive with shoulder length grey hair. Let's see if someone knows more about him before we organise any group meeting I think. I'm sure someone is going to read this post and know more. I'm allowed to pick my little Woody up this afternoon so I'll send another post to say how he's doing xxxx

My dog, Woody the Daschund - some of you may know him, a little black and tan Daxie - was viciously attacked on Peckham Rye on Saturday morning at 8 O Clock. A dog (called Monty, white with black and grey markings, i think he's an American Bull terrier - basically a big bull terrier type) just ran up and pounced on my dog. It wasn't a fight that got out of hand but treating a smaller dog as prey. The owner was completely ineffectual - the dog sunk his jaws in and wouldn't let go. I had to actually kick the dog to get him off. The owner didn't even say sorry he just said it was my fault because i had my dog on a lead (this was at the beginning of Peckham Rye near East Dulwich road right near the road where most owners keep their dogs on leads - and of course if I want my dog on a lead i should be allowed to do that without my dog nearly getting killed.) The dog is incredibly dangerous because it basically wanted to kill and eat something smaller than it was - and that could have so easily been a small child or baby daring to move in its vicinity. The police are involved and they've been really supportive. I need your help to try and find the owner. All I know is the dog is called Monty and the owner is a man in his 50s or early 60s with long grey hair. My dog has been left with huge bike marks a broken leg and a severed hock joint which has left one of his back legs completely immobile. Mobility is only going to be recovered with extensive surgery and physio. But he could so easily have been killed and I'm sure if this dog can attack mine (who is a small, neutered and unthreatening type very friendly to other dogs) he can attack again. I just hope this dog doesn't come into contact with any small children. Please message me if you have any other information about the owner of the dog - I've been told by one of my dog walking friends that he lives in Nunhead somewhere and I've definitely seen him before. Thanks for listening Emily

I'm very excited about this!!!!!!