sum1964

Thank you

Yes I know,he's a really well behaved dog and can sometimes walk past cats with only a slight glance,he doesnt bark or growl. He's great with every dog we come across and is brilliant with people,both young and old. However if he comes across a cat within easy striking distance he'll make a lunge at it if your not holding the lead tight.

No I'm actually in the UK

Hello. I have owned my retired grey for over a year now,last week it was being walked on a 4ft lead down the pavement on a public street by my 21 year old son when it spotted a cat within reach hiding in the adjacent undergrowth and pounced. My son who hadn't seen the cat was caught of guard but managed to free it from the dogs mouth,at which point it ran off injured,we later found out that it was taken to an emergency vet and unfortunately put to sleep,we don't know if this was a financial or medical decision (I have since voluntarily paid the vets fees as a gesture of good will). However the Police are now involved and want me to sign a Dog Control Agreement under Section 2 of the Dogs Act 1871. Basically if I sign it this incident can be used against me in the future for any dog in my care,plus I have to have the dog on a lead and it must wear a muzzle "at all times when in a public place" (which is basically everywhere but your own land or garden). And in the declaration where I need to sign it states "I accept that my dog was dangerously out of control". All of which I am having trouble with because my dog has not been assessed in anyway by anyone nor has anyone enquired about its or my general well being or social enviroment. Now I've looked for guidance on the .gov website where it mentions that in situations like this (first time offender) I should receive a Written Warning and if further incidents occur I would receive something called a Community Protection Notice (CPN). Does anyone know where I stand on this Dog Control Agreement,it feels like were both being found guilty without any trial. Thanks in advance.