Betsy was attacked

My poor lil girl. We were out for a walk yesterday afternoon. As we were approaching woodland and road could be heard I popped Betsy on the long lead. Around the corner came 3 collie/staff crosses, some distance ahead from their owners. One of them (all boys) went straight for Betsy and with that the others packed. The owners came up but the dogs had locked and what I understand is there is not a lot you can do when this happens, but wait? I tried to stay calm but it was hard when there were now two dogs on Betsy.

Finally we got them away and the owners just walked off with their dogs (still off lead)!! I shouted that we need to check that all the dogs are ok. With that, Betsy's lead must have got loose in the scrap and it came off and she charged over to the dogs. We managed to separate the dogs and again the owners just walked off. I shouted put you dogs on leads. At this point Betsy was lying down on the floor, so she was my priority. I checked her over and the main wound seems to be on the side of her neck, slightly open but not really bleeding. She has scratches on her tummy but after bathing with salt and water it all seems ok. I've taken her for a walk since and she seems herself. I'm also conscious of having to put on a brave face so she doesn't pick it up from me.

It was a really awful experience, seeing the dogs pack up against her. As most fights it looked awful, but Betsy seems ok. I think their dogs actually came off worse.

What I am concerned about is that it happened in one of our regular walking spots. Ok the time was different and we wouldn't usually go then. I had a friend with me (fortunately) who said these dogs are known for it and confirmed that they did just attack Betsy. Two of the dogs are brothers and I'm sure if it was a smaller dog, they could've killed it. The owners were useless. No communication, or responisbility. I put Betsy on a long lead with new dogs as she can be a bit too much (boisterous play) especially with the small dogs. However what angers me is these dogs are known to be aggressive and were off lead, some distance from their owners. I am worried if we seem them again.

This morning I will report it to our boroughs Dog Warden and get advice from there, but just wondered if their is any thing else I should do or should've done? It seems I can find out where they live and I planned to go round there just to talk about my concerns but friends have warned me against it.
Any thoughts appreciated.

Thanks
Sam & Betsy

Wow, what a horrible experience glad Betsy didn't suffer any serious physical or mental damage. Hopefully you're doing OK after it too, don't let it spoil your walks or your socialisations, because obviously not all owners are irresponsible idiots. I can't believe the owners didn't even say anything??? Wow. Mad. Well, you could talk to them if you want, but I'd imagine it wouldn't make a bit of difference since they witnessed a dog fight that their dog started and didn't even care. I doubt talking to them would change anything.

You have had a shocker, I'm sorry you had to go through this.

My number one annoyance is dog owners that can't control their dogs but let them off lead. It ruins walking for everyone, and not just other dog walkers. These people tend to always be the ones that don't care if the dogs fight anyway so are no help if it does happen.

You handled it very well and should be proud of yourself and Betsy because it wasn't her fault either imo.

I'm glad you are both ok.

Infuriating. I'm not sure I would have held my temper with the owners.

Glad you and the pooch are ok.

Unfortunately its getting more common these days. We have trouble nearly every time we go out. We threaten other dog owners with legal action and get the phone camera out. That seems to make them take notice

I get so angry hearing about this, >< for Betsy and you.. I don't know the laws over there but definatley report it to the relevant authority.. When are people ever going to take responsibility for their dogs

Glad you are both ok, that must have been horrible. I dont think I would go round to talk to them. They don't sound like the type of people who would care sadly.

I would probably have lost my temper with them, how silly of them to walk their dogs of the lead when they are aggressive, my boy is aggressive and I do let him off the lead but only on this massive field where there's no one or dogs and there's fences so if any dog walks past with their owner my boy can not attack him and if they come in, I leave...

Some people are so stupid it does my head on, I'm glad she's ok though

Thanks all for your support and kind words ><

I think the only reason I managed to stay calm was for Betsy. If i'd have got angry she would've picked up on it and it just makes the situation worse.

Now however, I am fuming about the owners as they clearly didn't care for Betsy or their dogs. As a first time dog owner, I've learnt so much on here about how to be responsible and that's the annoying thing- I was as Betsy was on her training lead. I do wonder whether the other dogs seeing her on a lead made the situation worse, but I still feel it is best for her as I can't always control her when she sees another dog and wants to say hello, but we're working on it.

Also as the dogs are staffie x's I just think that people will hear the staffie part and it just gives these beautiful dogs another bad name as they are with careless owners.

As much as I'd like to, I agree there probably isn't much point in going round there, but will report it and lets hope they get a warning.

Fortunately these people are a minority and we've made lots of good friends. Just keep reminding myself of that

Poor girl , you must have been in shock

When will people learn !!...just glad she is ok

I always walk Rocky on the lead and I have had so many walks ruined by other owners who see fit to just let their dogs run free with no control over them at all, it really infuriates me too.

I would not advize you to contact the owner of the loose dogs as this may well put your safety in danger. If you see them again please try to avoid them if possible. This man obviously has no regard for others safety and doesn't appear to care what his dogs get up to.

By all means report to the local dog warden and let them deal with the matter professionally.