At the end of the day, they know what the rules are and the consequences of not following those rules. If they cared enough about the dogs they would follow the rules.
If my dog became a banned breed tomorrow, I'd follow the rules to a tee because there's no way I'm giving the police etc a reason to even consider seizing them.
I am a retired veterinary surgeon and I am sick to the back teeth of all the excuses that XL dog owners rattle off, in an attempt to excuse the risk that their particular breed can represent.
XL dog breeds are much too strong physically for most owners to control, or second guess what is going through their heads.
In my view, all XL breeds should be banned PERIOD.
I feel duty bound to add that ANY dog is a potential risk because the dog sees itself as part of the family hierarchy, (as they usually are in wild dog packs).
The domestic dog has an inherent sense of its "pecking order" within the human family and as long as it accepts its hierarchical position, usually everything is OK.
However, when a new human baby arrives, the hierarchical order changes, meaning that the dog finds itself one step lower on the "ladder".
As a consequence, the dog can become aware that the newborn child is getting more attention.
Over time, the dog can become increasingly jealous of the child and when the baby is in the same room, but unsupervised by the parents, the dog can suddenly attack the baby/child without any warning, potentially causing severe injury to, (or death of), the baby/child.
All parents should be aware of this potential risk and take care not to fuss over the baby/child, in the presence of the dog, to avoid the latter from becoming jealous.
Dogs are usually pack animals in the wild, constantly trying to move higher in the pack pecking order.
Domestic dogs are not so far removed from the "pack dynamic", so BE AWARE of the risk that ANY pet dog can represent, when becoming JEALOUS of children in the family context.
NEVER ALLOW ANY "FAMILY" DOG UNSUPERVISED ACCESS TO ANY CHILD!
Precisely, they're willing to roll the dice when it comes to their dog.
I think lack of enforcement is part of the problem, which is why people should at least report it. A lot of the XL bully owners where I live don't bother with muzzles, one guy has the muzzle just hanging from the dogs collar.
I have a very well behaved 60KG lean dog and you’re 100% right.
Even with him being extremely well behaved I have to be 100% alert and have 110% fitness because he’s capable of generating massive amounts of energy in seconds.
I have a friend with a similar(sized) dog who’s very reactive and he lets his 100lb mother walk it…. Accident waiting to happen in my opinion but he won’t listen.
I was talking about in general, but point still stands.
I occasionally see a woman walking with 2 mastiff dogs, each one outweighs her, I've seen her try and pull one away that was sniffing and it didn't even have to tense up to hold her off.
Dogs may be lovely, but am I fuck risking being near them.
There's someone in my town like in OPs tale, she looks like she needs help opening the foil on her Silk Cuts but has a XL pulling her round town, the day it decides it wants to do something different she doesn't stand a chance.
Right!? I thought I struggled with my 35lb dog always worried in case he bolts or jumps on someone and annoys them. He's just about light enough for me to carry him for a few minutes when necessary.
I can't imagine owning a dog I couldn't physically restrain, even if it was perfectly trained. Let alone an untrained one, and even moreso TWO of them at once!
I know some people love really big dogs but when we were searching, I only had a couple requirements:
If it got injured and couldn’t walk (say hit by a car), I could pick it up and carry it a reasonable distance
And if it was going absolutely crazy, I’d be able to keep hold of it and not be pulled over.
My dog is an absolute dream but I think some people forget that your dog can just get randomly spooked and have an out of character reaction. It’s so dangerous to forget that dogs aren’t completely predictable
You're absolutely right. I'm a 6ft 15 stone builder, and my 21kg springer spaniel can almost pull me over if he really wants to get at something and catches me unawares. Treble that weight and I'd have to be so hyper aware that it would ruin my dog walks, just constantly bracing myself just in case.
I used to be a dog walker and had a malamute. Obviously, bred for pulling massive weights. We did a lot of training, so I was used to him, but he also had a double lead and a grab handle on his harness so he could be physically lifted up if necessary.
The problem was usually other dogs off-lead who would run around us and agitate him. But it was always on me to keep an eye out for signs he was about to pull. I wouldn't recommend a malamute to everyone, yet constantly see them and other big, strong dogs with people who are distracted or too small to safely handle them.
How about you put a muzzle on.
No dog should have to wear a muzzle. Stop demonizing breeds!
It's the owners that need banned and jailed and made an example of. If you are incapable of spending the time training your dog then you shouldn't have one.
You're not wrong, the owners of these dogs should be punished for owner such a dangerous animal. And its not fair to the dogs to wear muzzles when their danger is no fault of their own.
However they are still dangerous and the alternative to making them safe is having them put down and thats even worse.
> How about you put a muzzle on.
There's no law requiring me to wear a muzzle. Unlike say, an XL Bully.
Be careful what you wish for, you sound like you'd wind up in jail under those circumstances.
IMO all dogs should be muzzled in public... and I'm a dog owner. People and other pets get bitten every day by poorly socialized, badly trained, or straight up aggressive dogs. Doesn't matter if it's a Chihuahua or a Staffie. Even the best trained dogs can revert momentarily to innate reactions and bite, especially if they feel cornered or stressed.
I understand where you're coming from, but imo that's quite extreme and a very bad idea. Dogs ideally shouldn't be wearing them for extended periods of time (less time in hot weather) and if used for all their exercise and outside time then it would reduce every dogs quality of life.
These dogs are akin to Frankenstein's monster. It was evil to breed them into existence and it's somehow worse that the same people who did this now claim "it's only a handful of bad apples!" to keep the whole breed artificially alive when so many are causing havoc.
However, it doesn't matter now whose fault these dogs are, it matters that we as a country humanly phase them out. They have no place here.
Plus, dogs don't understand death, they don't know what it means when they fall asleep at the vet's. The only ones we're protecting from pain are those owners who took the risk and now have to say goodbye to their creations.
They absolutely understand death? Dogs will know if someone or a fellow animal has died if you show them the body and plenty of dogs grieve. There's been footage of dogs crying when seeing photos or videos of someone or a fellow animal friend they lost, there have been stories of dogs sat at the graves of their owners.
They might not understand when you take them to the vets to die - we can't be certain, but it's unlikely. I agree with the rest of your post, but many animals understand death and cats, dogs and birds are known to be among them.
I'm on about them understanding the concept of dying by injection, not their own death of natural causes or the death of other dogs. Is that not clear from context?
If a dog is close to another, they will absolutely miss that other person or animal and there are plenty of cases of dogs grieving if they know the other dog has passed. Sure, not all dogs care, but dogs have varied personalities just like people do. It's crazy that people are still oblivious or denying this in 2025.
Hey... this is a bit of a difficult one because sadly the owner is being incredibly irresponsible. And although really "nothing happened", it does show that the owner is not really considerate of other people.
Dog breed aside, not being able to control 2 large dogs and likely already knowing she struggles to hold them back is ALWAYS bad. Whether they are XLs, red setters, samoyed, etc.
I see both parts of your story here and I have to agree with your assessment - although not the dogs fault for being poorly handled, you have seen she is not abiding by the law, and also is generally being irresponsible.
As for what Police may do - it actually somewhat depends on the force. Some may go in and seize the dogs, others may do a house visit, assess then and seize if the dogs are a risk. Your word alone isnt proof but it may end up with seizure of the dogs and the owner having to go through the courts to try and recover them.
I have one of these dogs myself, and have made sure he is highly trained and that he will turn on a sixpence if i call him.
People like the one you have seen do people like me a disservice. I have done everything I possibly can do to support my dog, and then dog owners with their out of control dogs who never really TRIED to train them ruin it for us.
The other day I passed a guy with one of these dogs, unmuzzled, and he didn't look strong enough to control it. I crossed the road to avoid them and the dog was staring at me the whole time. I felt pretty uncomfortable and then I noticed a woman with a little child coming down the road as well. I think she also crossed to avoid them, but that wouldn't have helped any of us if the dog had taken a fancy to one of us. It's ridiculous that we have to live like this.
Follow it up, you could just as easily have been killed. One you might stand a chance against, two you’re a gonner if they decide it’s so. They aren’t wired right to be pets, their instinct is simply to attack and kill.
Yes you should report it, only problem the Police will have is if you have no address or name for the person then they can do literally nothing unless an officer randomly sees her and knows what an XL Bully is and isn’t on the way to a more important job. If you can find out the persons address or name then that will give the Police somewhere to go.
it’s illegal to rehome xl bullies she’s putting the other two dogs at risk,i’m pretty sure they’ll impound at least the most recent dog for that reason alone.
When the dog eats a child and you didn’t report her, will you be able to sleep at night?
Probably not, report it hope the dogs are removed but know you’ve done the right thing and that the relevant people made that decision
That video of a full grown 200lb man sitting upright bleeding to death will never leave my mind. Gored to death by a bully XL but just hadn't bled out yet.
Report them.
I'm pro dog as fuck but these animals are killing machines and hyper aggressive, owners are invariably utter tools and they're already breaking the law not having them muzzled.
Reddit about a year ago.
Looked for it now but you can't find it. Turns out if you google "XL bully kills man" there are so many videos you cant even narrow it down.
If she loves those dogs she needs to muzzle them, she’s endangering them before we get into potential attacks. If you’re close enough neighbours, talk to her before you talk to the council or police. The dogs didn’t ask to exist the way they do, y’know?
If a member of the public BELIEVES the dog may be a danger to them they can report it.
Source - had a rescue staffie that I had euthanised after she lunged at a council worker and he reported me, The police were very clear the worker BELIEVED he might get bitten if I let go of the lead and was worried I wasn't strong enough to hold the lead.
That's enough to get you to court. At least it was 15 years ago.
You do not have to wait for an injury.
It happened in a very small hallway and it did take me by surprise as she'd never lunged before, so I think I shouted Woah or Jesus or similar before pulling her back. Which didn't reassure him.
She absolutely COULD have bitten him, as she jumped up to his waist height and the poor bastard dropped his bag and put his hands out. He was obviously shitting himself and legged it immediately, he buzzed my door about ten minutes later and asked me to bring his bag down.
I'm not sure still why she did it, it didn't feel playful there was intent to do something, but then she didn't.
They still have the reputation they earnt during the 90s.
I got bitten on the arm by a big acl dog outside my house last night. Luckily I had a thick coat on. No idea what to do, have never seen the owner of the dog before.
Report them before they kill someone.
I've got absolutely no sympathy for people who buy something the size and temperament of a tiger and keep it in their suburban house. I'm not surprised a few of them get killed by these "pets" each year. If it was just the stupid owners getting themselves killed, I wouldn't care, but it's affecting other people, and that's the bit I take issue with.
Should have just outright banned the XL bully and made everyone get rid of them. We have two in the village and one's owned by an underfed post-teen (looks 12, is 20 something) the other is owned by a woman who weighs about 7 stone. If either of them could control their dog, I'd be very surprised. Post-teen brought it into the cafe the other day, everyone else left within a couple of minutes, cleared the whole place out. Idiot barista just chatting with captain delinquent and his murder dog, like, ok, let today be a loss for the business.
I'm kinda at the point where I just have no patience or respect for people who own dogs that horrible. It's a weapon and a way to threaten people. If you wanted a companion, you'd get a nice dog like a labrador or a spaniel.
all killer dogs have been well behaved until the time they got pissed off and turned on someone.
There's a woman lives near me, she travels around in a mobility scooter and acts like we all owe her respect for it. She has a large muscular dog that looks like an XL Bully. She doesn't have the dog on a lead and no muzzle. A few weeks ago I encountered this woman and her dog outside local tesco. The dog was happily running around sniffing things when it suddenly approached a small Chinese woman who was just passing by, the woman froze on the spot with obvious fear and the woman in the scooter started shouting at her.. "son't do that, you're showing him fear and it makes him aggressive"... jesus wept.. I almost lost it with her.
I have tried to find out this womans name as I fully intend on reporting her.
> Should I report these dogs?
Yes
> Will the police automatically remove these dogs if I do?
If the owner doesn't have a valid certificate of exemption, yes they will be seized and killed. Sucks for the dogs as not their fault, but better them than someone's kid.
Not really, since the dog that mauls someone will be put down as well.
It's more that they get to choose a humane death for the dog, quiet, painless and held in someone's arms, rather than a human or other dog being attacked and living long enough to experience things none of us want put into words, then dying.
Yes, yes, yes and YES! Report this for your child’s safety, yours, other innocent people and the woman walking them. They are all nice until they turn. This is coming from a dog owner of 2 giant breeds and a large breed.
Absolutely report it.
I have a neighbour who has 4 or 5 of them. I genuinely can’t tell how many - she *never* walks them. They’re locked inside the downstairs of their house in a room that they can apparently only access from the outside. They’re hardly ever let outside.
When the woman cleans up what I can only assume is the piss and shit from the floor inside, she’s *always* screaming at them.
Someone from the same house was arrested because one of the dogs got out and attacked someone through their fence.
I’m just waiting for the day the dogs turn on her.
They’re horrible. The neighbours and the dogs.
> one of the dogs got out and attacked someone through the fence
Was the dog put down after that? Surely you’ve reported the situation to the authorities? Especially if it’s half a dozen dogs cramped up in one house and not being walked, that’s just animal neglect.
I don’t know. I think the owner was sentenced to some jail time. But I don’t know about the dog.
I have reported it - but nothing has been done as far as I’m aware.
> one of the dogs got out and attacked someone through the fence
Was the dog put down after that? Surely you’ve reported the situation to the authorities? Especially if it’s half a dozen dogs cramped up in one house and not being walked, that’s just animal neglect.
No. The dictionary says in simple terms that a joke is something that causes people amusement/laughter
And just because you don't laugh at something doesn't mean that someone else wouldn't. Therefore humour is subjective.
Well now you've argued yourself into a corner, because if your claim is that anything that anyone *might* laugh at must be considered a joke, then EVERYTHING must be considered a joke. You can't know someone somewhere didn't find any given thing funny, so you can't say anything isn't a joke.
See how stupid that is?
The comment is like something a defender of dangerous dogs would say. Clearly the sarcasm was lost...
And there was I thinking the British are the most sarcastic people of all
Mmm it's the Internet. I always expect negative responses. I could have said "report the dog and let the police shoot it" and would have still been downvoted into oblivion
Before or after it attacks? XL Bullies legally have to be muzzled. By the description, these dogs would need to be muzzled even if they weren't a banned breed.
Would you rather wake up tomorrow to a news headline about one of those dogs mauling (potentially) a child to death, or upset someone who is being irresponsible with her dangerous dogs.
Please report it
An XL unmuzzled is illegal.
If it's unregistered, it's even more illegal.
If it's unable to be adequately controlled around children, it's NOT being taught to behave and it's a fucking hazard.
If I'm around, it's gonna get reported. Whether it so much as growls at me or not. If the police say it's fine, that's on them, but if they don't know, that's on the owner and everyone who watches her walk them every day.
And if it heads towards my kid as described, it's getting reported and a boot on its neck if it so much as gets within an arm's length.
These things fucking kill people - grown adults too.
As someone whose family has owned dogs and a decent level of understanding about training / behavior (as in actually took to dogs to classes and read books):
I'm obviously going off OPs description here but "screaming at the dogs to stop" and "doing her best to hold them back" does not sound to me like someone who has a good level of behavioral control over their dogs.
While I'm open to discussions on nature vs nurture, I believe these dogs are controlled for good reason.
If someone feels threatened (or even potentially threatened) by the behavior of such dogs and their owners lack of control, and lack of respect for the rules around these dogs, they should absolutely report them.
Yes it needs reporting, also for the fact that a 2nd bully has suddenly appeared even though it’s now illegal to rehome them? Has that dog just been kept indoors for months and today she’s decided to walk it? Either way it’s a recipe for disaster
An xl bully isn't a dog breed. I have no idea how anyone reckons they can spot them. The goverment guidance is exceptionally vague and basically just based on vibes.
That said if a dogs behaviour, or perhaps more accurately the behaviour of the owner being unable to confidently control said dog(s) then yeah it makes sense to report that. If the 3rd dog joined in that lass probably would have been dragged around the floor.
It sounds like she needs to have the dogs muzzled and also invest in a harness leash (the harness part goes on the person) so she can put her back into it if they start pulling. And probably an anti pull harness for the dogs too for goo measure.
I'm a small women. Sometimes your dog is stronger than you are and the important thing is to recognise that you need to use your brain if your might is lacking. That means taking reasonable steps to keep your dogs under your control because if you don't they will eventually wind up dead.
Knew a girl who was attacked my an akita and it literally mauled the poor girls face , the dog was destroyed and the girl got a compensation payment , the owner of the akita just went and bought another akita
Yes. You said at the end there you'd feel bad...would you feel worse if you'd picked up your kids from nursery and you had been attacked? Of course, anyone would.
So don't empathise with a stranger and their (rightly banned) dogs. Put your kids' safety first. I wouldn't have even given it a second thought, no matter how many dog sympathisers I know would have called me a grass if they found out.
Thankfully we're getting past the point of 'every dog is such a good dog and can do no wrong'. No. Certain breeds are a risk no matter the personal anecdotes. And you came very close to being the next headline topic about it all. People get mauled by aggressive breeds on a regular basis, especially because of shit dog owners who can't control them.
Don't risk it, report them asap.
Report them. Hopefully the police take them and that's that.
I don't give a fuck how well trained these dogs are etc, they ALWAYs maul someone to death in the end. Sounds harsh but stupid people should not be getting away with this.
Honestly, I disagree with what the top votes say. I'd say "not yet". This might be the first incident. Yes, she should have muzzled the dogs legally, but if you have well behaved dogs, I can understand why she thought she was safe. If she continues over the next day or so to walk them without muzzles, then yes, but she might've been really scared by what happened and be worried about losing her dogs. Maybe that'll shake her into behaving better.
Please report her for those dogs. They displayed aggressive behaviour. As you said, you're relieved you didn't have your kid with you so you know what could have happened. By law they should have muzzles. You can report anonymously. Please do it before they attack someone.
I've got a similar issue in my area. In the last week I've seen three XL Bullies without a muzzle, two of which were off the lead.
I can't follow the owners home to get their address of course. Would the police bother coming out to see if they can catch the owner in the afternoon if I provide locations and times?
How do you know it's an XL bully?
My cousin has a Pocket bully. Sometimes when my cousin is busy, I will walk the dog for him, as does his brother and my father. Every single one of us has had shit from someone while walking the dog.
Just thought I'd ask considering most people that see the dog and instantly shit a brick, and then immediately think of XLs. Yes the dog is big, and very muscular - but most people are clueless.
It's irrelevant. If you have a dog that looks like a banned breed you've done that on purpose. You can't blame people for being frightened if you've got something you know looks frightening.
The dog caused somebody to be reasonably frightened, it's an owners (or dog walkers) responsibility to make sure that doesn't happen.
If the dog resembles a dangerous breed it should be treated as one. Muzzle.
We've done that on purpose? The law didn't come in that long ago, we had the dog before the law changed you muppet.
Well, we don't muzzle it because we don't have to. The dog is soft as shit, all he wants is belly rubs and food. We have a Jack Russel and that thing is by far more of a bastard. He's not even the scariest dog in the house he lives in.
You've totally missed the point.
It is an offense to allow your dog to behave in such a way that a person is reasonably worried they may be attacked.
What YOU know about your dog is irrelevant. It's FEAR Of not unknown history of.
You mentioning a badly behaved Jack Russel as if that's a good thing to have in a house with other dogs shows you know nothing.
You (or your family) haven't bothered to learn the law or train a dog bred to kill (your JR is bred to overreact quickly as all ratters are) how to be behave around a dog who may be euthanised if it ever fucks up.
Be better.
First of all, nobody has ever had a reasonable reason to think the dog would do anything. They are the dog and shit themselves. That is it. If they're scared because of everything they've seen on the news that's their problem, that's not coming from the dogs behaviour. The dogs behaviour is fucking immaculate and if you met her then you would see that
You have absolutely no idea what training has taken place at all. So you can fucking hush your gums regarding that.
Does writing "be better" make you feel important. You're doing your part! Pat yourself on the back.
First of all this post is not about the dogs in your life.
No it's not the victims problem?
A non existent dog won't be put down and they won't end up in prison.
This guy didn't have a dog.
You are gonna be really surprised by the actual law.
How much does it weigh? They are muscular dogs and tbh they should be banned too. These breeds are literally bred for their attack traits. Absolutely not worth the risk of having them about.
Granted most people should have a fucking license or a test to even get a pet because most dog owners are gormless as fuck. Part of the reason I walk my dog on quiet routes.
I would have reported the owner for not having the dogs muzzled as per the new law. Fact they are clearly out of control and aggressive just adds major fuel to the fire. If they had decided not to back down and to attack, you wouldn’t stand a chance and the owner wouldn’t stand a chance in stopping them. This breed of dog needs to be banned completely.
Are you qualified to be able to judge what bred the dog is? Even DLOs struggle. I know of a case that has taken a year (with the dog kennelled the entire time) for them to determine that the dog is NOT in fact a pit bull type. Dog did nothing wrong, just seized for how it looked.
One thing to consider when reporting a dog is the cost to the tax payer, and the impact on an animal that has done nothing wrong. Seized dogs can spend up to a year in police kennels, at great cost. This length of time can have a massive, and detrimental, impact on the dogs physical and mental health. If the dog IS an XL, then there will be a lengthy and again expensive, court case.
Is the owner allowing them to be out of control? Are the dogs causing issues?
Bear in mind something as simple as in inch difference in height can determine if a dog is 'safe' or 'dangerous'.
I personally wouldnt report a suspected XL unless i felt the owner was irresponsible or the dog was actually a danger.
Judging by the incident OP described though, at least one of those dogs is dangerously out of control and probably bringing out that behaviour in another. I understand what you’re saying if it was just the original dog, although I’m inclined to disagree, but this new one adds an extra layer.
Please report. If they successfully attack someone you’ll regret not reporting her. They’re not supposed to be without a muzzle. There are 14 reasons (fatalities) why in the UK alone. Incredibly irresponsible of the owner, she should face charges.
Yes, because the owner is not being responsible. If the dog attacks someone because she hasn’t used a muzzle and is unable to control them, the dogs will be put down and someone could end up dead or severely injured.
Madness we are just going to have these things around for however many years until all the spayed ones are gone or whatever. No such thing as a safe one.
I often see people walking them unmuzzled in public. I don't really know how you can report it unless you know where they live :/ I guess the only way to stop a lot of these are for people who know them to report them or have dog catcher patrols checking for unmuzzled ones.
Yeah. For a lot of bully owners and wannabe bully owners, the ban has actually made them more attractive. People advertise them as last ever bully litter in uk etc
"Mini Bully XL" etc. Banning based on breeds isn't effective. I'm glad we have the ban, don't get me wrong, but people will always worm around it. We need a more robust system.
And yet r/AmericanBully insist they are so cute. Just look at his big eyes and floppy ears! And this one in a Santa hat, and another sleeping with the baby.
After what they just did YES.
They are already showing aggressive behaviour and the "good" xl bully copied the aggressive one, they are both dangerous dogs from dangerous breed that has killed a lot of people, children in particular.
You were in fear for your life, afraid of your son's life. The next person may not be as lucky or have a kid with them and you are in the position to potentially save their lives.
Report it, the police can check door cameras, review what happened and make their decisions about what to do. Which will very likely be remove dangerous, powerful animals from their stupid owner. And she is stupid to not have muzzles on or handed them over for being aggressive.
How will you feel if someone dies and you said nothing?
One person can't hold 2 labradors if they want to go forward. I've got scars on my leg from when my lab was attacked by a staffìe and he pulled me over trying to get away. It happened so quickly I couldn't react. Report her. I'm sure she'd be very sorry when her dogs attack someone but sorry doesn't unbreak the plate. Those dogs are dangerous and barely controlled.
You’re so right. My German shepherd is stupidly friendly, but she managed to put my boyfriend on his ass last week when she darted for a squirrel and his foot slipped on the mud. She weighs about 35kg and my boyfriend is about 105kg and is a strong guy. Absolutely no way anyone should be walking an aggressive dog without a muzzle, it’s so easy for them to pull you over or take you by surprise.
I inherited a husky retriever cross who wasn't properly trained, he normally behaves well but can be a dickhead around other dogs on occasion, luckily never with people.
I'm a fairly big bloke, I can manage him, but my wife can't hold him back if he wants to go so I always am the one to walk him. If he had another similar sized dog with him, I would really struggle to hold them both. This person going out with three large dogs they can't manage is stupidly dangerous. It only has to go wrong once.
I think if the owner is irresponsible then yes. These XL Bullies are only a problem because of the maulings, but their owners are even worse because they contribute to these dogs' aggression.
I saw an XL Bully freely running around an estate last week and it fucking terrified me.
I’m 40. I’m not small. I’m fit, able, and I grew up with big, boisterous dogs (which I love to wrestle with).
I was shit scared of that dog.
Absolutely report them, they are not safe animals. A staffy go for my 2 1/2 year old on the field near mean, the own (a small lady) came running after it.
I punched the dog and choked it until it settled, if I hadn't been there it would have gotten hold of my child, my wife still worries about stuff like that when I'm not around.
Also as foot note, punching the dog did fuck all and only seemed to piss him off more, although it did divert his attention to me instead of my daughter.
YES. 100% yes.
If you are walking your nursery aged child anywhere near an XL bully (or they are walking an XL bully at nursery pick up time) then that is a disaster waiting to happen.
Who do you report them to, the police, the council, who in the council?? I have similar issue and would like to tell the correct authority before someone is killed.
What would be the reasons to not report them?
Effort? I suppose. Are you worried about retaliation? What's the downside? Or are you worried that it's "immoral" to report them or something?
See if it was a chihuahua or a yorkie (which are always yapping and lounging) would any of you report that? No, why, because it isn't illegal. But "it is illegal to not have control of your dog in public" only when it's big dogs though right? Because small, yappy dogs are cute?
Small happy dogs are not cute. I can’t stand them and I never trust small dogs. But if a yorkie bites me, worst I’m getting is a couple of stitches and a tetanus jab. An XL bully could kill me
Regardless of the dog's breed (no breed is inherently aggressive, any dog can bite) an out of control, aggressive dog should not be in the care of their current owner because the owner clearly cannot meet the needs of their dog.
YES, this breed HAS been shown time and time again to be inherently aggressive. They're strong, won't let go if they taste blood, and can be unpredictable as OP experienced.
Muzzle it, or euthanize it when it bites someone.
No dog is born inherently aggressive, actually. They can have genetic tendencies towards aggression but what's much more important is training and socialisation. A dog of any breed that's raised to show aggression will show aggression. A dog of any breed that's raised, socialised, and trained to be a well-rounded dog is much less likely to show aggression or develop reactivity.
Any dog can bite.
No sorry, this is a load of shit.
I've been around dogs and working gsds. Aggression and the want to close on a target and kill is genetically determined and part of the dogs drive. XLs were bred off pit bulls bred for fighting, they have a high aggression/prey drive and typically low threshold in which that drive engages.
Training can only polish what is there, not change it. I've seen people try and train dogs for bite work and it simply doesn't work because the dog does have the mentality to close on the target, instead they stand back and bark or run. These dogs won't be bred from because of the risk they pass it on.
Shepherds herd, pointers point, terriers go to earth, retrievers retrieve, guardians guard, fighters fight.
If what you said was in any way true, then breeders would not spend the time and expense perfecting their stock like they do.
For example people that fight pit bulls keep highly detailed notes and bloodline charts to produce the best fighters. And there's a reason these dogs are put down once they are rescued from this situation because even if they've never been fought you can't remove the genetic disposition towards aggression. It is too unpredictable
Now combine the XL bullies genetic past with the fact those that breed them are too stupid to take into account personality, instead breeding for muscle and coat colour, and to further fuel the situation they are ignorant of genetic issues like a22/rage, and you've got a monster on your hands
I was mauled by a dog in my youth, for doing absolutely FA to entice it. I'm still scarred inside and out, 40 some years on.
Please report this dog. All it'll take is it going for a kid (yours or someone else's) to be yet another headline.
Curiously, how do you know they are XL's? I've had self righteous nobheads come up to me claiming my girlie is an XL.. when she's not. Staffie Mastiff, so whilst understandable to be confused, what's lame is when people decide their own truth about the situation.
if you are sure its an XL and they have broken the law by not having them muzzled up, then sure, phone plod and report it.. but at the moment from what I've read.. you saw a bigger dog that looked mean and in your non professional experience, decided it was a threat.
You have no idea if its an XL (or the other one),
You have no idea if it WAS actually threatening you
I suppose my point is, what are you going to phone the police and say? 'Help! a dog moved in my general direction!' If you can prove the owners broke the law and aren't doing their duty, by all means report, but if not... how will it not just look silly?
Report. Sounds like someone who shouldn't be allowed a dog. We need licenses for dogs brought back. The amount of animal suffering caused because we won't tell people no who should not have any kind of animal
Yup. I've got one round my neck of the woods I've been wary of for a while. And then I saw the owner have it on a bloody long line.
Every time I see that thing it makes a lunge for my own dog, even from across the other side of the road.
This is the impetus I needed to report it.
You could have a word with the owner, or send a letter if you don’t fancy getting too close to those dogs. Be upfront, say, as you have here that you are familiar with big dogs and know their body language and you were genuinely frightened by the dog’s reaction to you and the fact that the person could never control those 3 dogs by themselves. Tell them to muzzle the dogs before they are taken out again, if not you will report them! Saying that these dogs are fucking dangerous and to feel like you did, with the experience you have with dogs I think I would just report them asap! It’s ridiculous why people are walking these beasts unmuzzled!
Unquestionably you should report them. What would have happened if the dog got loose? And you had your son with you from nursery?!
I've posted about this before but someone regularly used to walk a MASSIVE XL Bully right past the nursery where my kids went.. I too grew up with dogs, and have no problem with even large breeds but the fear around these hideous dogs is entirely justified and I can remember several occasions when he would walk past on the other side of the road and his revolting dog would just GLARE at me and my children. Horrendous. Report her.
Yes, you should. As you should with anyone whose dogs are potentially lethal and not under their control.
I genuinely love dogs, and it's not the dogs' fault. But if you don't report and they go on to rip a toddler to bits because their owner won't muzzle and can't control them, you'd never forgive yourself.
Ian Price was mauled to death by two XL bullies. I’ve seen the video and it is horrific. He’s screaming for someone to get a knife whilst trying to hold his internal organs to his body because these dogs that were bred for bull baiting decided to disembowel him. Please report them
dont report them yet just tell the lady to put the muzzle on otherwise you'll report them. That should scare her and teach her a lesson to always put the muzzle on.
I have three really large poodles and, as dogs are, they are a pack. They can be aggressive, that pack mentality. Together they weigh about 200lbs. Sometimes they can be dicks. I mostly walk them with my husband.
This woman can barely handle the muscle. How could she?
Report this. Please. Save a life.
As someone whose dogs were attacked by a pitbull, please report it asap. I reported it to the police and they were actually great, I didn’t know if they’d care but they took it seriously and followed up with it as well. Luckily my dogs weren’t injured (I have two big dogs) but all I could think was ‘that could’ve been someone’s child or small dog / puppy and they’d be dead now’.
Yes you absolutely should report this.
If you don't, and if something happens, you're gonna feel complicit for having done nothing when you _should_ have.
Let me flip it on you.
Worst case scenario, if one of these dogs attacked and mauled a child scarring them for life, will you wish you had reported them after that?
I think you know the answer and what you need to do.
You are within walking distance to a nursery, why are you even needing to ask this? Why would you feel bad about this? You should only feel bad that you’ve wasted time and someone might get hurt in the time it takes the police to act.
Yes please do it. I reported a similar issue and the police took it seriously. I was petrified for my child - and my dog. To me it's similar to some idiot walking with a gun. They are dangerous and can kill. There have been several deaths even after the ban.
Even worse than someone walking with a gun because at least they have control of it and the gun doesn’t have a mind/ instinct of its own! Glad the police took it seriously, that sounds really scary.
Yes 1000% yes, they literally kill children, like that's not hyperbole they is documented proof that this breed kills children. They even ripped a 17-month old out of the arms of her mother to kill her.
If you didn’t call and report them and the dogs attacked and injured someone, how would you feel?
It would not at all be your fault, and nobody else would or could think that, but you wouldn’t be able to keep from *thinking yourself* that you could have prevented it. If for no other reason, I think that’s worth making the call.
Yes. Every time you see them, report on 101.
Be a squeaky wheel. 1 report is easy to ignore. At quarter end if there's 75 reports of the same owner flouting the rules it's harder to brush under the carpet.
Being the squeaky wheel in situations like this does work, but it still takes time.
I've got 2 (ex but still potentially) dangerous dogs. My best mate has 2 XLs, and next-door neighbour had 3 until last year - two now🫣
I love big, serious, mean dogs. My Mrs rehabs dogs with bite history and dangerous reactivity, we've had a couple of dogs released to us by the police, taken from people like this. (I met her when I took mine to her for rehab)
Report her. 100%. Idiot with no means of controlling, and no respect for, the dog. Its a shame, the dog will likely be put down, but if its not stable, it's with a handler that can't handle it, and it can't legally be transferred - that's the way it has to be unfortunately.
If its near kids, acting predatory and can't be controlled - it needs taking off her, end of.
Report it FFS, it's your civic duty, even without that awful interaction, which Im sorry you experienced.
Fuck the selfish cunt of an owner - people like her deserve to be removed from society, they're just as dangerous as their dogs.
I recently had a similar encounter where I was on my bike and had to pass a couple with 2 Pitbull type dogs.
Before I was even close to them I could tell my presence was agitating the dogs so I stopped to let them pass.
While passing they were still barking aggressively and pulling on their double harness which the male of the couple was struggling with. I'm pretty sure they were attempting to attack me...
The female of the couple said "it's no you they want it's the bike"
Em ok lol.
Their insurance, if they have it, will try to not pay out for injuries from any mauling you receive because the dogs are not muzzled (a condition of insurance) Get them on video, post that on youtube unlisted, take that URL to the police, and ask them what happens if the that owner retaliates to this reporting of a crime.
I can’t believe you actually have to ask that question. This breed was banned for a reason. We still hear reports of attacks by them, mostly within their own homes. So you weren’t attacked but honestly you were very lucky that the woman was able to hold onto the leads of 3 heavy dogs. Very lucky. Others might not be so lucky next time? Care about them?
I love dogs and think some breeds have bad owners. This woman is a bad owner because she’s is barely able to handle the aggressive dog and she isn’t putting a muzzle on it. Any dog regardless of breed that is so aggressive should be muzzled She already has 2 large dogs so why add a 3rd.
Report it! If that women cannot control the dog then it is dangerous.
Never forget: while any dog can bit it is almost exclusively bullies that kill. And most often they kill four to six year old kids. Report it.
Yeah I think so. Especially if you’re likely to be about with your young son, that’s quite scary isn’t it. No way would anyone be able to fight off 2 xl bullies
If my backings all you need then you've got it on steroids.
After all the horror stories regarding these lovely softies they need gone. There is no excuse beyond a disregard for everyone, including the dogs, safety to have one. Of all the breeds why pick the one that is proven to kill and attack at the drop of a hat.
Yes, if they were a responsible dog owner they would be muzzled regardless of whether they agree with the law or not.
If it was my dog, I'd follow the letter of the law because I'd not want to give anyone a reason to take the dog off me.
>If it was my dog, I'd follow the letter of the law because I'd not want to give anyone a reason to take the dog off me.
This is it. If you love your pet you will do anything to mitigate risk. The risk of having them removed and the risk of them hurting others.
Would you rather wake up tomorrow to a news headline about one of those dogs mauling (potentially) a child to death, or upset someone who is being irresponsible with her dangerous dogs.
Please report it
>I'd feel bad if that was the case but I'm worried for peoples safety
Yes, report them. The dog warden will visit and make sure they are muzzled when on a walk. They will probably advise they are walked separately. Please report them for everyones safety, and for your own peace of mind.
Fuck it; report them now before some poor bastard becomes yet another statistic.
The law was changed for a damned good reason so don’t feel any shame or doubt in reporting it. Imagine if it was you or your son that ended up on the receiving end of one of those dogs trying out of control.
The fewer of these dogs around, the better it is for everyone. Get them reported and, with any luck, they'll get a one way trip to the vets and a nice shot of pink juice. Horrible things.
Yes, and do it quickly.
The owner is obviously not a suitable person to restrain such dogs if they blow their tops. If they are being walked in busy streets without muzzles they are an absolute menace. As for feeling bad if the dogs are removed, I would regard their going as an excellent result for public safety.
The 2014 amendment to the dangerous dog act...
>Section 3 of the Act applies to every single dog owner in England and Wales. Under this section, it is a criminal offence for the person in charge of the dog to allow it to be ‘dangerously out of control’ in a public place.
>*A dog doesn't have to bite to be deemed dangerous in the eyes of the law*
>Generally if a dog bites a person, it will be presumed to have been ‘dangerously out of control’, however even if the dog does not bite, but gives the person grounds to feel that the dog may injure them, the law still applies.
It looks like she's committed an offence already without the XL bullys unmuzzled. And sadly this is exactly the sort of reason why people get mauled to death - when owners can't be bothered to ensure their pets themselves are protected.
Absolutely report on 101, although they may be limited if you don't know her name or where she lives. Interesting that she has a possibly new XL bully, as there's no legal way to buy or adopt them now. Unless she's had it all along but doesn't normally take it out.
No keep your noses out of other people's business Karren maybe find something like a hobby and stop pretending you need to report things to feel accomplished it's just sad Reddit mentality that will be backed up by other sad Reddit users .be better.
Yes. Frankly, you should have reported her the moment she started to walk her dog without a muzzle again. It might have nipped the whole thing in the bud if you'd reported it early so she just got a talking-to from a police officer.
But with the addition of the second one who tried to hunt you, and pulled the original dog into a hunting mood with it? Abso-fragging-lutely you need to report that.
If you were relieved to not have your young son with you the next person might not be so lucky. It sounds like you should be worried for people’s safety.
An out of control dog is dangerous. This time it listened *eventually*, but that’s not good enough.
Next time it might not listen.
Next time you might have your young child with you.
The dog needs to be reported.
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