Aggresive dogs

[Dinger2]

You're walking down a public road/street and two or three angry,barking dogs suddenly come tearing out of the gate growling and bearing their teeth and snapping at you.You are scared so the next time you pass by that address you take a piece of wood with you to protect yourself from attack.What is the view of the Law if you hit a dog only for the purpose of scaring it off and avoiding getting bitten??

[squarebear]

Are these dogs on their owners land when they come at you?

I would imagine the law would take a dim view of you hitting these dogs if not.

[B00]

If they come out of their gate and onto the pavement to get at you, i'd heartily agree with snotting them one with a stick, if, however they're on their side of the fence and just merely frighten you as you potter past, then I think it's just a case of bracing yourself each time you pass them.

You can't blame the dogs for doing what comes naturally- protecting their property.

[saxy_jag]

If they came at me like that, then I'd certainly wallop them, but probably not with a lump of wood. My dogs and I have been 'attacked' in this way when out walking and I find the end of a dog lead across the snout works wonders. Perhaps a heavy rope or a belt might do the trick. Walking down the street with a lump of wood might just attract the wrong sort of attention and you'll find yourself being nicked if you're not careful.

With some dogs, a squirt from a good water pistol or washing-up liquid bottle can be enough of a shock to put them off. I'm told that high-pitched rape alarms can work too - they don't like the noise.

As Boo says, they are doing what comes naturally. Unfortunately what comes naturally is just the opposite of what we want from our pet dogs, and if no-one's taken the care to socialise them properly then this is the result. If it happens again and you know you haven't done anything to antagonise them, consider making a complaint to the police.

[oldmaggie]

Problem would be that if you were stopped by police while carrying a piece of wood it could be construed as an offensive weapon. Punishment starting point high level community order but could be custody. If the dogs are not under proper control then I would suggest you speak to the dog warden for your area they will advise the dogs owner about dangerous dogs act etc

[daffy654]

There is no law against carrying a walking stick though. I know many walkers/ramblers do just that for reasons of protection against stray or out of control dogs.

[madmaggot]

Oh dear, some people should not be allowed to have animals. Unfortunately these poor undisciplined dogs will have to take the punishment that should be meted out to their 'owner'.
The best thing to do is to stand very tall with shoulders back, point at the gate and firmly say 'get back'. There are very few dogs that will not respond to this. But, if you show any fear at all it will not work!

[madmaggot]

Attacking a dog with a piece of wood is an invitation to the dog to fight.

[mrs_overall]

If, as you say, they come tearing out of the gate and onto the public highway, you should gather as much evidence as possible (times, dates, witnesses, photo's etc) and let your local council prosecute them.

Not many people innocently walk around with a lump of wood so I think you're on a loser with that one should the police become involved.
However, if you happened to be carrying something else which could be construed as an innocent object, and you had to use it to defend yourself I think you'd be OK.

[jedimistress]

If you hit one of the pack, they may protect each other and you may come off worse. The chances are if the dogs were let out through the gate they would not even touch you. Dogs are good at putting on shows when they know they have the safety of a barrier / lead. Let them off the lead or through the gate and they will probably give you a sniff and a lick.