Dog attacks by other dogs occur frequently—not only in our city. The difference is that Bolesławiec residents do not report them. Since its establishment, the municipal police have been notified of only two such cases. What is more, officers had to close the second case before any verdict was issued. The owner of the injured dog refused to testify.
“The owner of an attacked dog should report it to the relevant authorities: either to us or to the police,” says Emil Zając, commander of the Bolesławiec Municipal Police. Anyone who failed to control their animal faces a fine of PLN 200. An even higher penalty may be imposed on someone who deliberately arouses aggression in their pet. In addition, the municipal police have a database of approximately 1,800 registered dogs, which will make it easier to establish the identity of the owner of an aggressive animal.
It happens that owners of rottweilers or Amstaffs take their pets for walks without a collar, a prong collar or a muzzle. “It is as if someone were walking around the city with an unholstered revolver,” says Piotr Klasa, a veterinarian. In such cases, tragedy is not far away. Owners of injured dogs often come to Klasa’s clinic. There have been cases in which a dog suffered such severe injuries that it had to be put down.
How can situations like this be avoided?
“The worst situation is when the attacker is a stray dog. Pepper spray seems to be the best solution in such a case,” says the veterinarian. It is easier to prevent tragedy when the owners of both dogs are nearby. “If the dogs have not yet locked onto each other, grab the dog by its hind legs, lift it up and pull it away. The point is to prevent them from clashing and make the dog lose its balance,” Klasa advises. Nevertheless, this must be done carefully. The pet may interpret our action as an attack.
If the dogs do lock onto each other, the specialist recommends lightly choking the dog with the leash so that it loosens its grip. “The cooperation of both dog owners is important. The worst thing is shouting and insulting each other,” Piotr Klasa points out. After the incident, it is also worth going to a veterinarian, even if our pet has suffered only minor injuries. Over time, it may turn out that internal bleeding has occurred.
How can this be prevented?
As Piotr Klasa points out, puppies should be raised properly. Our dog should know that other dogs exist. “You should not set your dog on other dogs, even if they provoke it. You should try to ensure that the animal does not react to provocation,” the veterinarian adds.
(information ii)