What Powers Do Local Dog Wardens. Have Regarding The Question Of Being Told Your Dog Wiill Be Put To Sleep Unless You Get It Rehomed

[indie01]

as title says

[baza]

only powers given to them by the local council.

[woofgang]

What do they say your dog has done?

[pixie373]

Yes, i got the same as baza. They can carry out legislation from the council-
http://www.ndwa.co.uk/dog-wardens/

is the problem a dangerous dog / straying/ fouling? There are different answers for each.

[woofgang]

pixie I doubt its a dangerous dog issue if they are talking about rehoming

[pixie373]

True :-)

[indie01]

the dog in question was on a lead being walked in a park when another dog off lead approached the 1st dog owner asked the 2nd dog owner 4 times to put their dog on a lead as the 1st dog wasnt good around others ,this was ignored . the 1st dog managed to slip his collar and bit the 2nd dog. the local dog warden told the owner in no uncertain terms that the dog could be destroyed for not being under control in a public place

[pixie373]

"could be"- have they actually threatened to do this? It sounds like a warning.

[Peter Pedant]

.

well, whenever my dog has slipped its collar for whatever reason - bitten through, wire cutters or nuclear explosion spring to mind
and has molested another dog

you are onto a loser on the subject of not under control for the simple reason - it isnt.

back down, apologise, and say you wont have it occur again.

in terms of rehoming, putting down, shooting etc
say no need for that - I will be sure to kee it under control sir.....

[woofgang]

hmmm not quite that simple. The law on dogs only covers humans and not other dogs although it could be argued that the person might be afraid that they were at risk which is covered by the DDA. I think that the warden is trying to scare the owner of dog 1. If the warden thinks the dogs behaviour is covered under the DDA then he/she has no latitude to suggest that the dog should be rehomed instead of prosecution. If the warden does not think that the dogs behaviour is covered under the DDA then he/she cannot confiscate the dog under the DDA and neither can anyone else. The other question is whether the dog has ever done anything like this before?

[indie01]

they have been very forceful in their approach as the lady in question wasnt given any time to plead her case that the other dog and owner due irresponibilty were at fault do the council have the right to take this action in such a minor case or does this have to go to court

[woofgang]

Yes PP but neither was the other dog....

[woofgang]

has the dig bitten anyone or dog before?

[indie01]

wolfgang
not known as is a rescue dog

[woofgang]

the council can't make people rehome their pets full stop. The may be able to evict from council property if keeping pets isn't allowed, they can bar the animal from council land, they might be able to asbo the owner, they can get the police involved although in a dog bites dog case unless the dog has done it before, and especially as the dog was on lead and the other dog wasn't, they'd be on shakey ground..but insist on rehoming? no.

[woofgang]

has the owner contacted the rescue?

[indie01]

yes im the rescue rep just trying to clarify how we stand
thanks

[Tilly2]

Is it on the dangerous dogs list?

[ladybirder]

I'm sure this case won't go that far. To avoid incidents like this can I suggest that in future dog 1 is kept on a harness when out. Also, if you look on ebay, you can buy fluorescent jackets with a message written on to warn other owners that this dog doesn't like other dogs. I have a dog who doesn't lie other dogs and it causes so much stress when unleashed dogs come sniffing around and the owner refuses to recall their dog.

[pixie373]

Would it be worth using a muzzle until the dog is settled and secure?