Thatcham dog owner appears in court

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Thatcham dog owner appears in court after Sassy the dog's unfortunate appetite for the postmen's ankles

http://www.newburytoday.co.uk/News/Arti ... leID=10208" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;



MEET Sassy – the friendly German Shepherd with an unfortunate appetite for postmen’s legs.

The usually good natured pet is transformed into a demon at the sight of the postman, and her fixation has caused double trouble for exasperated owner Sharon Key.

Not only has the Post Office refused to deliver mail to her home in Rudland Close, Thatcham, but she has ended up in court.

Last Thursday, Miss Key appeared before Newbury magistrates where she admitted owning a dangerous dog not kept properly under control.

Rhoda Nikolay, prosecuting, said that on February 21, postman Richard Carter was delivering letters next door when Sassy got out and bit his ankles.

The court heard that when police arrived Sassy had reverted to her normal, happy self – even bringing the officers toys to play with.

Miss Key told the court: “I’m really sorry it happened. In the six years I’ve had her she’s never once snarled or growled. It’s just really unfortunate that she has an issue with the postman.”

Magistrates decreed Sassy should be muzzled when outdoors and kept in the living room when the front door is open. Royal Mail spokeswoman Jacqui Stenson confirmed: “We have temporarily suspended deliveries to the address and made alterative arrangements so that the customer can collect her mail.

“The suspension will be lifted when we are sure that the dog is being kept under control and the postman can carry out his deliveries without fear of attack.”

[DGP1]

Magistrates decreed Sassy should be muzzled when outdoors

I can tell you that this will only prevent biting but the dog will still attack and cause injury/distress (I know because it's happened to me).

[NWpostie]

Magistrates decreed Sassy should be muzzled when outdoors

I can tell you that this will only prevent biting but the dog will still attack and cause injury/distress (I know because it's happened to me).

best solution, bury the dog up to it neck in the driveway (muzzled) and drive a van over it.

[brothermagrew]

Thatcham dog owner appears in court after Sassy the dog's unfortunate appetite for the postmen's ankles

http://www.newburytoday.co.uk/News/Arti ... leID=10208" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;



MEET Sassy – the friendly German Shepherd with an unfortunate appetite for postmen’s legs.

The usually good natured pet is transformed into a demon at the sight of the postman, and her fixation has caused double trouble for exasperated owner Sharon Key.

Not only has the Post Office refused to deliver mail to her home in Rudland Close, Thatcham, but she has ended up in court.

Last Thursday, Miss Key appeared before Newbury magistrates where she admitted owning a dangerous dog not kept properly under control.

Rhoda Nikolay, prosecuting, said that on February 21, postman Richard Carter was delivering letters next door when Sassy got out and bit his ankles.

The court heard that when police arrived Sassy had reverted to her normal, happy self – even bringing the officers toys to play with.

Miss Key told the court: “I’m really sorry it happened. In the six years I’ve had her she’s never once snarled or growled. It’s just really unfortunate that she has an issue with the postman.”

Magistrates decreed Sassy should be muzzled when outdoors and kept in the living room when the front door is open. Royal Mail spokeswoman Jacqui Stenson confirmed: “We have temporarily suspended deliveries to the address and made alterative arrangements so that the customer can collect her mail.

“The suspension will be lifted when we are sure that the dog is being kept under control and the postman can carry out his deliveries without fear of attack.”

Royal Mail for the life of me do not seem to realise that frontline outdoor delivery personnel, will as a result of a particular bad attack incident involving a dog which is dangerously out of control, always have on their minds the fear of another potential attack by the same dog. How can Royal Mail be sure that the dog is being kept under proper control by it's owner in the future, when Magistrates make such daft suggestions as being kept in the living room whilst the front door is open. Only takes a small child, another member of the family, to unknowingly not properly close the living room door, and before you know it FIDO is out and attacking the next unsuspecting postie.

In the words of (AP) page 3 June 2009 edition who was attacked and badly bitten on the thigh by a rottweiler:

"On the day I was attacked, I followed my usual routine, checking the house doors were shut and rattling the gate to make sure the dog was not out, before entering the garden. The dog then appaeared at the window, barking ferociously at me. As I reached the door, it disappeared. I knew something was wrong straight away and ran for the gate. The owner's daughter had woken up and let the dog out, not realising I was there. The dog charged towards me and bit my thigh. It let go but blood was pouring down my leg so I went to hospital. I was off work for five weeks and on lighter duties for another four.

A year later I've still got the scars, but the worst thing is the effect that the incident has had on my confidence.

[k979aaa]

Magistrates decreed Sassy should be muzzled when outdoors

I can tell you that this will only prevent biting but the dog will still attack and cause injury/distress (I know because it's happened to me).

best solution, bury the dog up to it neck in the driveway (muzzled) and drive a van over it.

Or a HCT fully laden.

[DGP1]

checking the house doors were shut and rattling the gate to make sure the dog was not out

I thought I was the only one to do that

[andy2007]

I can't believe that they are trying to portray the owner, and the dog, as the victims here. It's all very well portraying them as a nice friendly pair. But that dog has attacked someone. The fact that it was a Postie, is besides the point. IT IS DANGEROUS, AND SHE SHOULD BE DEEPLY ASHAMED OF HERSELF, FOR LETTING IT HAPPEN!!!!! It could have been a child, or an elderly person! When will these people learn!?!?!

[ghostgirl]

checking the house doors were shut and rattling the gate to make sure the dog was not out

I thought I was the only one to do that

No I do it too...wherever I know a dog lives or if I'm on a walk I don't know I do it anyway if I'm unsure and there's no dog there.