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Reader Rant : Who let the dogs out?

Wednesday 29 April 2009

WHO LET THE DOGS OUT?


Helen Slinn from Derbyshire is tired of out-of-control dogs ruining her hacks

Is it really that hard for dog owners to keep their animals under control? I have been chased twice in the last month by dogs, causing my horse to bolt in potentially dangerous places.

On both occasions the dogs have shot out of driveways – maybe these people should think about investing in a gate if their pet isn't controllable.

I don't have a problem with every dog owner, and some put them on leads when horses are passing, which I appreciate and I always say thank you. But it's those people who don't that really make me angry.

When a dog gets injured because it was snapping at a horse's fetlocks, and the horse kicked out in fear, you can be sure they are going to lay the blame at the rider's door.

Another hacking hazard is dogs on extendable leads. When my friend was out riding, a dog on an extendable lead ran at her horse and the owner didn't stop it, resulting in the lead being wrapped around the horse's legs.

In the end, the dog was kicked and the horse almost collapsed because he was tangled. Again the horse and rider got the blame, and it wasn't their fault.

I'm sick of irresponsible dog owners. I keep my horse under control, so can you please keep your own animal under control.


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