Rottweiler death sentence appeal

[TrueBlueTerrier]

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A PERTH woman will appeal a death sentence imposed on her rottweiler.

In what was believed to be the first such ruling locally, the dog was ordered to be destroyed at Perth Sheriff Court last Thursday after owner Connie Furlong pled guilty to contravening the 1871 Dogs Act.

She admitted she had allowed Woody to be dangerously out of control and to run free near her Strathtay Road council flat on March 6, where after causing cars on Crieff Road to brake, he then bit a policeman.

Sgt Alan Pettigrew, who attempted to apprehend the dog, required penicillin, with the rottweiler ultimately rounded up by officers and later released into Miss Furlong’s custody.

Sprayed

The court heard Woody disliked police after being sprayed with CS gas during a search of Miss Furlong’s Tulloch home, with the accused claiming Sgt Pettigrew would have been safe if he had removed his tunic.

Coverage of the case has provoked an emotive response from animal lovers, including 11-year-old Charmaine Sandeman who said she was organising a petition to save Woody.

“It’s not the dog’s fault, dogs can’t speak English and they don’t know right from wrong,” the Perth girl said.

Although agreeing to her 10-year-old rottweiler’s death sentence last week – the breed’s life expectancy is 10 to 12 years – Miss Furlong told the PA she had since had a change of heart.

“I’ve always denied he was a dangerous dog and out of control, but I admit he bit Sergeant Pettigrew,” she said.

“I did agree for Woody to be destroyed as he’s quite old and will only live for another year or so, but now I’ve changed my mind. I am definitely going to appeal.”

Solicitor William McDonald said while he was yet to receive instruction from his client, he had notified her she had until next Thursday to lodge an appeal.

While Miss Furlong acknowledged to the PA that her flat had been searched, she denied ever claiming the dog had been gassed.

“I don’t know where that came from, but he’s scared of posties, anyone with a uniform, most rottweilers are,” she said.

SSPCA Inspector Brian Cowing said if he or his colleagues attended a residence with an aggressive dog, they would not wear uniforms.

“Dogs see in monochrome and they don’t like dark uniforms so will see you as a threat,” he said. “So we’ll put on civilian jackets, just to break up the definition of black and white. It’s all psychology with dogs.”

Insp Cowing said he could not recall a dog ever receiving a destruction order in Perthshire, saying owners of a dog that bit someone generally had the animal put down voluntarily.

“Owners often don’t train their animals properly, you have to make sure you’re head of the pack, as if you don’t, they take over, become dominant, and that’s why we have dangerous dogs,” he said.

Tayside Police wildlife crime officer Alan Stewart cited numerous examples where dogs had not been kept under proper control by owners, chasing livestock or humans.

He said police would investigate and submit reports to the Procurator Fiscal under the 1871 Dogs Act.

“I’ve no idea how many end up in court or are just given a caution,” he said. “There’s a high percentage of responsible dog owners out there but a significant percentage of people who don’t know how to control their dogs.”

[Wessex]

All dogs of this type should be muzzled in my opinion and perhaps certain breeds should not be allowed in urban areas.

[pinstripe]

"SSPCA Inspector Brian Cowing said if he or his colleagues attended a residence with an aggressive dog, they would not wear uniforms.
“Dogs see in monochrome and they don’t like dark uniforms so will see you as a threat,” "

Yeah, they don't like red or blue either! Or Orange.

“I’ve always denied he was a dangerous dog and out of control, but I admit he bit Sergeant Pettigrew,” she said.
Typical response. I don't know why she didn't say "Oh he's never done that before"

"with the accused claiming Sgt Pettigrew would have been safe if he had removed his tunic."
Should we remove our uniforms when entering premises where we know there is a dog, then? Might be a bit chilly up North.

[fishtank]

"with the accused claiming Sgt Pettigrew would have been safe if he had removed his tunic."

Do not let dvb or DGP see this....the last thing they need is an excuse to dis-robe in public.

[brothermagrew]

“It’s not the dog’s fault, dogs can’t speak English

Try telling that one to a Japanese Tosa

[DGP1]

"with the accused claiming Sgt Pettigrew would have been safe if he had removed his tunic."

Do not let dvb or DGP see this....the last thing they need is an excuse to dis-robe in public.

That was another of my happy appearances before the bench