I WOULD like to inform readers of a recent incident which took place near the Pont-Y-Welin bridge in Penarth Marina.

On Monday, May 18, my dog Splash was attacked by a staff/pitbull-cross who was off his lead. While no major injuries were incurred, Splash had a bloody injury to his ear and my mother in attempting to separate the dogs, was also attacked and has swelling and bruising on her leg.

Unfortunately, the owner didn't seem to care. Indeed, he made little attempt to stop his dog or help the situation and while Splash was being bitten, he kept repeating that his dog was only 'saying hello.' He eventually managed to control his dog, and left going into the Cardiff Marina harbour office.

There have been several incidents of a similar nature, especially in the park near the Oystercatcher pub and once before with the same dog/owner. We now avoid the park when walking and I know of other dog owners who do the same.

In other words, in order to remain safe, we are no longer free to walk our dogs in a park designed for that very purpose. Our freedom has been diminished due to irresponsible bullies who remain at liberty to do as they please.

While Splash is always kept on his lead, this actually seems to be a weakness when attacked by other dogs as he is essentially tied up while other dogs are free to bite him. This has happened when my 12-year-old daughter has been present and thankfully so far she has not been injured. But an injury could easily happen to a dog, an adult or worse, a child. A young child could be seriously damaged both mentally and physically.

Personally, I question a governance which states that a dog owner can be fined up to £1000 for not picking up after a dog has fouled in a public place but has no problem in allowing dogs to attack others without provocation. Indeed, off-lead dogs are free to foul without having their faeces picked up simply because the dog owner is of such a distance away that they are unaware that the dog has done anything and cannot be identified in order to be prosecuted.

In order to take this further, I contacted the Vale of Glamorgan Council who passed my details to the Dog Warden Department who in turn contacted me. They advised me that according to the law, all dogs must be under control in public places.

Naturally, a dog on a lead has an easy-to-define element of control but also trained dogs off lead may be well controlled. The difficulty occurs when dog owners consider their dogs to be controlled, release them to run free but in reality an adequate level of control is not present.

An attack on one dog from another is legally considered to be a civil matter but when a human is attacked by a dog, it is legally a criminal offence and the police may be involved to prosecute. An attack in this instance is not necessary physical but also emotional or where an owner can be fearful of a physical injury. This is according to the Dog Warden. He also advised that all incidents should be reported and they will try their best (while understaffed) to investigate and support if they can.

I would like all dog owners to be aware that there is a legal response and support available if needed. Names and addresses of the other party should be sought out if possible and the Dog Warden can be contacted on 01446 709105. I was unaware of most of this and am somewhat more positive now that I know that there is some recourse.

Michael Collier

Penarth