What do I do about a BIG dog walking the suburbs without a lead?
Posted by ComprehensiveCode805@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 78 comments
I live on the edge of Middlesbrough in a fairly typical suburb. Family homes, schools, shops, parks, not much else.
In the last week I have seen the same man on 3 occasions, walking his dog without a lead. I, who know nothing about dogs, believe it to be an XL Bully. I do accept that I may be wrong about the breed, but it is big and it looks to be made of pure muscle. Clearly a dog bred for violence.
Now, I'm not a small guy. I'm 6'5" and, though not exactly ripped, I am strong. I can take care of myself if needed. Still, I believe that this dog could kill me easily if it chose to. So my 7 year old daughter would be little more than a chew toy to it. I'm certain that the man believes that his dog is a friendly, harmless, slobberlover cuddle machine, but it just doesn't seem safe to let such an animal roam free about town.
But what do I do?! I'm certainly not going to approach the guy and risk a confrontation with a man who keeps a murder dog as a pet. I can't imagine the police would do anything as the dog isn't currently actually eating anybody. I'm genuinely scared for my family and I don't know what to do!
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
BasisOk4268@reddit
Police non-Emergency line. Tell them there’s a man with a banned breed walking a dog off the lead round your estate where your children play.
GoldAndDogs@reddit
He said himself it might not be a banned breed. He’s just overreacting to a non situation
DonutLicking@reddit
What an odd thing to say, he's asking for advice, how is that overreacting? People should keep their dogs on leads when out in public, unless at a park or similar place. The OP hasn't actually done anything but ask a question.
EvilTaffyapple@reddit
Nothing?
You’ve said you know nothing about dogs, and the dog isn’t out of control or causing issues. What are you expecting to happen here? A dog doesn’t have to be on a lead if it’s under control - and you’ve made no suggestion it’s not well behaved, only suggesting you’re scared for no reason.
Hopeful_Lake9382@reddit
alright well imagine a man walking around your town who doesnt know english with a big knife in his hand. hes never hurt anyone so leave him be?
Fancy_Toe1451@reddit
If he is walking in a calm and controlled way, yes. He's probably a chef. Or a gardener. Could be a stone mason, or a wood carver.
EvilTaffyapple@reddit
What a daft comment. Not related or comparable at all.
FeelTheOneness@reddit
Not exactly scared for no reason though is he lol. He said it’s most likely an XL bully. I think people are well within their right to be afraid of those. You say dogs don’t have to be on a lead if it’s under control- this breed by law must be muzzled and kept on a lead at all times, and must be neutered and microchipped. So it’s clearly you who knows nothing about dogs. Probs best to just not chime in with a cunty take next time 👍🏻
EvilTaffyapple@reddit
I’m sorry, but no.
He’s basically seen a “big dog” and posted about it. He says he k owes nothing about dogs but guesses it’s an XL Bully, jumping on the bandwagon.
I’m all for ensuring people are safe, but having a meltdown about a bloke walking a dog isn’t it.
FeelTheOneness@reddit
Okay, well this essentially boils down to if it’s not an XL bully, you’re right, and if it is, then I am.
Hope your Sunday evenings nice.
up_the_addicks@reddit
Xl bully’s have to be on a lead and muzzled
Fancy_Toe1451@reddit
If it is deemed to be an XL Bully. Unfortunately not only is that a "type" rather than a specific breed, but also one that is very subjectively assessed.
freckledotter@reddit
Yes a dog legally has to be on a lead next to a road.
OkHistorian9521@reddit
On a side note, if you’re 6ft 5 and incapable of beating a dog in a fight to the death you really need to do some S&C / fight training. Humans have huge advantages over even big dogs. Especially at your size
GoldAndDogs@reddit
Murder dog. Listen to yourself you absolute fanny. Man walks his dog and has given you 0 reason to be concerned and you’re scared for your family. Pathetic
Neddlings55@reddit
Avoid it.
Apart from that there is nothing you can do.
BasisOk4268@reddit
If it is a bully xl then it’s a banned breed and it’s illegal to own, so there definitely is something you can do…
foregonemeat@reddit
Breeding js banned. But if you own one already then you are allowed it providing it is on lead and muzzled. The thing is this dog may well be a cross breed or something different altogether. Key is to look out and see if it’s actually dangerous.
BasisOk4268@reddit
Doesn’t appear to be muzzled or on a lead, so breaking the law and therefore the owners exemption is defunct and the dog will be taken away.
Particular_Cicada_28@reddit
Thats assuming op is correct on the breed which seems unlikely because even trained vets struggle with id'ing breeds on site alone
foregonemeat@reddit
Thank you! Absolutely right.
foregonemeat@reddit
Absolutely. IF it’s an xl bully. Police were informed twice about an ‘XL bully’ who lives near me and eventually attended. But it’s just a big dog that looks like one.
foregonemeat@reddit
Thank you! Well said
ColumbosHairyFarter@reddit
Forgot to swap accounts did you 😂😂
foregonemeat@reddit
Eh?
Inevitable_Box3643@reddit
You’re praising your own comment.
foregonemeat@reddit
Ah lol my bad I was trying to reply to the dude above.
foregonemeat@reddit
I’ve worked with the police on the non emergency line and I’m telling you that they deal with thousands and thousands of XL Bully reports and less than 1% are genuine. So statistically OP is unlikely to be correct. But it could be an XL Bully. Although unlikely. Am only specifying the law. Nothing more.
Inevitable_Box3643@reddit
> providing it is on lead and muzzled
> BIG dog walking the suburbs without a lead
lol
foregonemeat@reddit
I almost guarantee it’s a big dog that looks a bit like an xl bully. So no need to have it on lead.
Inevitable_Box3643@reddit
Redditors claiming to know shit that may or may not have even happened better than the OPs and making confident legal assessments based on their assumption-of-knowing-the-OP-better-than-them is peak Reddit.
Watchkeys@reddit
Yes there is. XL Bullys are illegal. So legal action can be taken.
foregonemeat@reddit
You are misinformed. Read the legislation. I’m not defending them, they can be a scary breed, but you can still own one if you had it before.
Watchkeys@reddit
You're right. The dog is legally required to be muzzled an on a lead though, so it still stands: 'Nothing you can do' is poor advice, because legal action can be taken.
foregonemeat@reddit
ONLY if it’s an XL Bully (for the hundredth time). I am almost certain it is not.
Why? Because most XL Bully owners know the law and don’t want to lose their dog.
Watchkeys@reddit
You haven't seen the dog and you don't know the owner. If OP thinks it looks like an XL Bully, they can speak to the authorities and get it checked out.
Most responsible XL Bully owners will be sticking within the law.
Do you know what percentage of XL Bully owners are not responsible, law abiding citizens?
FreeBogwoppits@reddit
Nothing you can do before it hurts someone (that presumes it will), but you can arm yourself.
Police advise if a dog runs at you, open an umbrella at it. Ideally an automatic umbrella. That should surprise the dog, which buys you time and might create a shield in front of you (yes, murder dog will be through that in nano seconds). Also, because you have a little muscle soreness at the moment, carry Deep Heat spray and aim for the dog's face.
It's a meagre solution. If that dog goes for you or your daughter you'll have two problems, the dog and the owner.
AlunWH@reddit
Given your complete lack of engagement here I’m not convinced you asked the question in good faith.
Responsible-Match418@reddit
Why are you assuming it's a murder dog? I think your lack of dog knowledge is showing since big dogs aren't necessarily dangerous.
The best solution would be to talk to the guy unless you can any indication at all that the dog is actually dangerous. Where I'm from, dogs are off leash in public areas and that's not a cause for concern.
When you talk to the guy, you can have a conversation like "hey sorry to interrupt your day. I noticed your dog, who is lovely by the way and wow so big, but my daughter is a little worried that he's off leash. You're dog is fine right?" (Or admit you're scared and be honest)
He'll hopefully respond that the dog is very friendly and a sweetheart, which most dogs are.
Cause for concerns would be: - the owner is aggressive - the dog snarls or gets it back up - owners body language is defensive - owner gets annoyed that you approached him about this (he should expect this) - dog lunges forward/ other aggressive behaviour
If the cause for concerns are there, then you need to raise the concern with authorities. Probably also post in a local neighbourhood group about the aggression so other people are aware.
Bottom line: actually be sure the dog is aggressive, otherwise you're causing a lot of fuss over something that isn't important.
And yes, in this country he should keep a dog on a leash, but people should also pick up after themselves and people shouldn't park in bike lanes - yet they do.
ColumbosHairyFarter@reddit
Jesus christ. Have you ever actually been outside?
OP said its potentially an XL Bully. A banned breed which are 9/10 times prone to aggression regardless of upbringing or training.
Funnily enough, the types of people that own these dogs aren't usually up for a friendly conversation.
"Lovely dog mr smackhead, oh wow so big. What a brilliant tracky you're wearing too." 😂😂😂
Deary me.
Responsible-Match418@reddit
Alright fair. I didn't know that one was a banned breed. If banned, yes OP should inform police. Deary me indeed.
Particular_Cicada_28@reddit
OP also said they know very little about dogs...
ColumbosHairyFarter@reddit
A big dog made of pure muscle. Hardly going to be a fucking labrador is it.
FeelTheOneness@reddit
Couldn’t agree more, the idiots defending this ridiculous breed would change their tune real quick if one went for them or someone they know/care about.
Curly1109@reddit
Live and let live man
hdhxuxufxufufiffif@reddit
If only XL Bullys had the same attitude.
jabbo13@reddit
Have you ever been around a well trained xl bully or do you just take experience from what the media tells you?
23 fatal attacks since start of 2021 which of course is 23 too many.
Currently more than 50k registered XL bully's in the UK.
Not every XL is a murderous dog lol.
hdhxuxufxufufiffif@reddit
It's genuinely shocking to see that number written down.
jabbo13@reddit
40 fatal attacks in total since start of 21.
Is it just XL bullys or are we carrying the same energy for the other breeds?
hdhxuxufxufufiffif@reddit
More than 50% of fatal attacks were by this one niche breed. Once again, it's genuinely shocking to see that written down.
Do you have any more statistics about this dog that will shock me?
jabbo13@reddit
More than 50% when you pick out a very specific time frame yes.
Considering the breed was introduced to the UK between 2014 and 2015 the media have been very specific to pick the time frames to support the story.
I'm all for ensuring they are registered and trained properly etc but not every XL bully is going to be some sort of monster.
Curly1109@reddit
sapphire-sky-dragon@reddit
I own 2 shihtzu, a jack russell and a dacshund non exactly known for violence.. not for humans anyway small furries would be a different story and I believe all dogs should be on leads regardless of size and breed.
Its probably not an xl bully I doubt he would risk it being seized and killed no muzzle or lead so its probably a different bully breed.
A dog doesnt have to attack to be classed as dangerous it just has to make people feel fearful which it does, its not the dogs fault its the dickhead owner.
Non emergency police number or on line, you could try following at a safe distance to find out where it lives or maybe contact the dog warden see what they say.
Curly1109@reddit
This is awful advice. Either a) you are following a harmless, law abiding citizen or b) it turns out to be cujo incarnate and you get mauled.
Failing to see the upside. Just mind your own business unless you actually see a crime being committed, life's hard enough without imagining stuff
Inevitable_Box3643@reddit
Forgot to swap to the alt before praising yourself
LichenTheMood@reddit
Is the dog genuinely just walking around with its owner? Is it doing anything (other than existing) to indicate any danger?
Agentparsnip@reddit
I’m just saying reporting as an aggressive XL bully when you have no evidence of either thing can get an innocent dog killed. I’ve been accused of having an unmuzzled XL bully before & threatened to have the police called on me, when I have pedigree KC registered boxers (so I can prove they are not xl bullies), however my sister has an unregistered boxer with no evidence to prove what he is, & he has also been referred to as an XL bully. He’s a very loving, typical boxer, but if someone said he’d been aggressive he could be taken & put down under the assumption of him being a “murder dog”
rositree@reddit
Is the dog seemingly under the guy's control? Or tearing around, ignoring the owner and generally terrorising?
As you say, dogs can be very strong, if a dog of that size doesn't want to be on a lead it would be more than capable of getting away from the owner. That's where training and discipline comes in - it applies to all breeds but is especially important in ones that have the strength and potentially breeding/temperament to become vicious.
If the dog is out of control then you can report to dog warden/local council, regardless of breed (even non-aggressive as they may cause a road accident or some other incident). If it's not, and the guy seems amenable, would you be up for attempting to get to know the dog a bit? Just a blokey head nod and some bland complimentary comment like 'nice dog' or 'he's pretty ripped, mind if I say hello?' could give you some insight into it's behaviour. That might allay some of your worries or give you something to actually report without putting yourself at risk.
cromlyngames@reddit
If it is actually a restricted breed XL bully, then it must be on a lead and muzzle: https://www.gov.uk/control-dog-public/banned-dogs
From the description it could be any short hair big breed (eg Cane Corso, who really are very different to a fighting dog.). Any short hair healthy dog looks muscular, we're just used to fat long hairded Labradors.
Particular_Cicada_28@reddit
This is very true
Fancy_Toe1451@reddit
The law says you have to control your dogs. It doesn't say you have to use a leash to do it. If a person has properly trained their dog to have good recall and sit/stay obedience then the law has deemed that to be sufficiently under control without a leash.
Upper-Eggplant2679@reddit
If your genuinely scared for you family and it's a murder dog and the man won't listen to you, I don't see what choice you have, but I just got a ban warning for suggesting the only practical solution to situation as you describe it.
Alternatively, speaking to the owner might be a better start. People that keep these dogs do so because they are anxious and insecure like you, they'll probably be threatened by your size in the same way you feel threatened of the dog.
You'll need to be disarming, friendly and not accusatory to achieve cooperative dialogue.
CactiPrincess@reddit
Life long fear of dogs and a small woman here, honestly I would probably panic. But there’s things you can teach your child! Like if she was to get bitten not running, putting your arm further in the mouth. Not being afraid to kick the shit out of the dog, aim for the balls/under carriage.
I’m sorry you feel unsafe it’s a horrendous feeling, I am okay with 90% of dogs but some dogs just trigger the I’m gonna die reflex.
I think the main thing is, if you see the dog you can make a choice to put distance between you and the dog and I think that’s especially important with a child. You can also keep something on you that can be used if needed. Like a belt (useful to choke a dog out if they bite and won’t let go) or something heavy you can use as a weapon or as a sacrifice to get bitten.
I don’t condone the acts of violence but I have also been in situations where if I wasn’t able to climb trees or cars I would have needed them. Panic makes it worse but I was attacked as a very small child and have no memory but lifelong fears.
Teaching her how to read dogs, what to do is very important!
Also if a dog is really going for you, you can grab there front legs and FORCIBLY pull them apart hard, it can cause them to go into cardiac arrest, so do with that what you will.
Also my partner told me the other day 🤣 door mats and the glossy magazines make really good makeshift stab proof and or dog bite proof protection . He said it would hurt but the likely hood of teeth puncturing is very low
Ok-Barracuda-8380@reddit
If the dog hasn’t done anything to indicate that’s it’s behaviour is out of control then there is not much you can do. You could phone the police non emergency number and share your concerns and the places that you’ve seen it and tell them you believe it’s an XL Bully. If it IS one and it hasn’t been registered properly then that is a police matter.
foregonemeat@reddit
What evidence do you have that it’s dangerous? It’s highly likely not to be an XL Bully unless you are an expert in identifying breeds. People are allowed their dog off lead. If it has bitten someone then it’s a different story. Does it appear out of control??
Otherwise live and let live my guy and move on.
PrimeZodiac@reddit
Kick it.
ukbot-nicolabot@reddit
A top level comment (one that is not a reply) should be a good faith and genuine attempt to answer the question
Impressive_Match_484@reddit
Another classic example of an entitled dog owner.
ukbot-nicolabot@reddit
A top level comment (one that is not a reply) should be a good faith and genuine attempt to answer the question
MidsummerMidnight@reddit
Use your daughter as bait and then run
ukbot-nicolabot@reddit
A top level comment (one that is not a reply) should be a good faith and genuine attempt to answer the question
Sendhimoffdiabolical@reddit
Get your net out and catch it, Action Man.
ukbot-nicolabot@reddit
A top level comment (one that is not a reply) should be a good faith and genuine attempt to answer the question
CarelesssCRISPR@reddit
Best it in game of wits
BlackberryNice1270@reddit
You could report it and say you think it's a banned breed unmuzzled, but otherwise, not much you can do.
cold_tap_hot_brew@reddit
How to report a dangerous dog
If you encounter a dog you believe to be dangerous, and the dog is causing an immediate threat to public safety, call the police on 999.
If it's not an emergency, but you want to report your concerns about a dangerous dog, contact the police on the non-emergency number, 101.
If you believe you own one of the banned types of dog, or know the whereabouts of one of those types of dog, contact the police on 01642 326326.
https://www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/environmental-issues/animal-problems/dangerous-dogs/
Upper-Eggplant2679@reddit
If you're "genuinely scared for your family" and the police won't do anything, kill the dog with poison
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