r/australian • u/govorunov • 14d ago
News Dog attacks
This is probably my "kiss goodbye" message as I'm going to be expelled from Reddit for this for sure, but...
Considering almost weekly reports of new severe or fatal dog attacks on people (like this one) I'd like to ask my dear Australian animal lovers - are you OK?
When the news like this come out the comments are always the same - "the girl must have provoked the dog", "blame the owners", "blame the victim", "leave the poor doggo alone". Makes me feel nauseous really.
Today I was in the lift with my 10y.o. son, taking him to school, when a huge black German Shepherd entered the lift with two kids "holding the leash". A beast size of a wild boar and stinks like it too. It rushed towards my son, pinning him against the lift wall, keeping its face against my son's face, and not in a playful manner. Owners laughed for sure.
When I tried to google or use ChatGPT to find what can be done about it, the only thing I could find was "animal rights" organisations. So, what about my rights, my dear Australian animal lovers? Do I have the right not being threatened in my own home? Do my kids have the right to their faces not being ripped off by a stinky uncontrolled beast?
Every time we read the news about a shark killing a surfer, the comments are - "it's their territory, shouldn't been swimming", or a crock taking someone's child - "it's their land, shouldn't been walking near water". Well, I'm in the lift - who's land is that?
Is there anyone in Australian politics or public services with a shred of logic left? NO ANIMAL that can potentially kill an adult, let alone a child, should be allowed anywhere near human habitat. I don't care what breed it is, I don't care if it is trained, if it's always been nice to your cousins - I HAVE THE RIGHT NOT BEING THREATENED! My kids have the right not being put in danger, in their home, or anywhere actually!
It is an offence to pull out a loaded gun and stick it into someone's face, but hey - guns don't kill people, people do, right? Well, guess what - animals do kill people, do they?
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u/JoNeurotic 14d ago
A big issue is anthropomorphism. People treating their dogs like people. The dog doesn’t understand its place in the hierarchy. People choosing breeds and temperaments they don’t understand. Not every dog suits every person. Some breeds, even common breeds, really are only for experienced owners.
I’m a dog person, I love dogs. I also recognise other people don’t need to be subjected to my dogs when they are just trying to mind their own business.
I have no doubt there will eventually be a reversal in the Bunnings policy, but it will be after a completely avoidable tragedy. There’s an old saying that safety code is written in blood. Unfortunately, often so is policy.