Dog Attack Website

06 May 08

Malcolm Riley is a dog owner on a mission. His beloved German shepherd Ky was viciously bitten by another dog when they were on a walk in Hartlepool.

Mr. Riley, a 37-year old internet expert, reported that “An English bull terrier ran straight for us and was biting at Ky’s neck and limbs. I tried to get it off but there was no stopping it.” He managed to stop it from biting Ky’s neck, but then the bull terrier “ripped into the right front leg instead and I think the whole neighbourhood heard the cries.”

Mr Riley is understandably worried as Ky’s front right leg was badly damaged and the veterinarians undertaking Ky’s treatment are still uncertain how well it will heal.

But the father of three says he is even more worried that dogs that attack other pets are only a small step away from biting children, with possible tragic consequences.

Inspired by his experience, Mr Riley is planning to launch a website to highlight all Hartlepool’s dog attacks and give a voice to responsible pet owners who worry for their dogs’ and children’s safety. He says the attack at Thursday, May 1, in a back alley between Stephen Street and Suggitt Street, gave him the push he needed to get the website up and running.

Mr Riley now wants dog owners who have had their dogs attacked, or witnessed other dogs being attacked, to contact him on 07522 437455 and help him record the incidents.

Sounds like an eminently good idea – but one wonders if it is the kind of thing that should be overseen by a local council as opposed to being left in individual hands?

As a little dog whose superb cuteness inspires many other local dogs to take a nip or worse from my cute houndish self, the issue of dogs attacking other dogs is one close to my heart, but I would still worry that the website would be open to abuse. Hhmmnn… Nevertheless I wish Ky and Mr. Riley all the best with their new enterprising endeavour. And also hope that Ky makes a full and speedy recovery!

Awooof! Archie