Kibkom North Cyprus Forum

A lady and her two dogs were attacked by two other dogs in the mountains above Lapta on Thursday. The lady was badly bitten and needed hospital treatment and one of her dogs has needed numerous stitches. The two attackers were a 'mastiff cross' and a 'japanese fighting' type dog. Neither of the attacking dogs was on a lead or wearing a collar. The young man supposedly 'controlling' the two dogs was not much use. The matter is now with the police & Belidiye. Please be on your guard against such incidents.

Thank you for warning people. Can you and the lady in question keep on and on and on at the police and the Lapta Belediye. Obviously dangerous dogs are the responsibility of the owners, but if they think they are going to be in trouble there is a definite possibility he/they will dump them somewhere, rather than admit responsibility. It is then becomes the Lapta Bel. responsibility to deal with them. Don't let them fob you off with "you must contact KAR" It is not KAR business and Lapta must follow the Government instructions and build their own compounds for the Lapta and Karsiyaka dogs. They will say and do anything, rather than spend money on compounds and accept responsibility. Thanks.

I am not sure if the same lady was in Petcross on Saturday with a dog that was terribly injured and had many areas where it had been attacked. She said it had been by two dogs, must be!! That poor thing was still terrified of other dogs in the vets.

rfs52a wrote: "The matter is now with the police & Belidiye".

The Police and Belidiye will do absolutely SWEET F.A. as they did when my dog and two elderly pensioners where very badly attacked on the Bellapais road by two dogs one a Rottweiler and one a Bulldog the owner just laughed and the police said it was a civil matter take them to court, dangerous dogs that attack should be PUT TO SLEEP IMMEDIATELY.

can you give a clearer picture of where this took place please?

I don't want to hijack rfs52a post but the attack took place going towards Bellapais past the E.S.K to the next roundabout the dogs live in the houses on the left hand side of the road immediately after that roundabout, nice easy pickings for the dogs to drag a few school kids in to there doom !

I hope the lady and her two dogs in the post get some results and the police and Belidiye grow some balls and take these deadly dogs OFF the streets for good.

sorry, but where abouts was the Lapta attack? I live in Lapta and have dogs. If I knew where this happened it would be helpful to me and no doubt others. Thank you

As far as I know the lady and her dogs who were attacked in Lapta were above Baspinar on the 'plateau' area.

The Japanese fighting dog lived on the left-hand side of the windy road, near the top of Baspinar, and was frequently on the road, or the mountain, which is now designated a 'Park'. My son then lived high up there, and we used to walk his little dog there, but were all attacked by this same dog. It was only the fact that there were 2 of us, both armed with heavy sticks, that saved us from injury. My son visited the owners and the police, so I was appalled to learn that the dog had attacked again, after several years, and that it now has a companion. I still walk our little dog up there,-it is one of the few remaining open spaces, but I'd no idea this creature was still on the loose.

It doesnt matter whether it is the Police/Belediye or KAR or even the RSPCA who deal with these dogs. They cant be put in a compound or they will be a danger to other non aggressive strays! I doubt there are many (if any) people here who could rehabiliate and train this type of animal one it has "tasted blood", Short of them spending the rest of life lives is solitary confinement in a cage or chained,
Sadly the only solution is to have them humanely put down.

Much better to stop fussing about expensive and ineffectual microchips, and to put pressure on the Government to ban the import and breeding of dangerous dogs (which I suspect are bought for dog fighting) before they interbreed with the stray and we have really dangerous packs.

Ragged Robin wrote:...better to...ban...dangerous dogs... before they interbreed with the stray and we have really dangerous packs.

That's a frightening thought!

You're a real 'Ray of Sunshine'

Unfortunately I get the distinct impression that some of the larger dog breed owners have them as a replacement for their own lack of machismo... how sad is that?

It's the same with the hunting imperative - the only way for some men to express their manliness - even sadder!

Keith frightening it may be, but realistic!! Ragged Robin has a valid point.

...Ragged Robin has a valid point.

I never doubted it for one minute!

- It was just that I hadn't actually thought of that scenario

Thats me, Keith, the glass is always less than half full!

But I have never forgotten a pack , which included large and vicious dogs, which attacked my (then) two small puppies on a lead, and also frightened the older village ladies. The was many years ago and the more aggressive dogs seemed to disappear (I daren't even think about how), But I am really concerned about the recent introduction to the country (Island?) of increasing number of macho dogs (Groucho also has a point). It makes life so much harder for genuine dog lovers, and particularly those who adopt strays, which may already have problems from their years of fending alone.

Stop with the misconception that bigger is more dangerous.

Bigger the dog, more love you get per kilogram.

Improper care is the reason for dog misbehavior and while I agree that rehabilitation of dogs might be very difficult or impossible beyond a certain point, I disagree when the blame is put on the dog and not on the owner.

K.

Spot on Kemal, no dog is born a killer, it is the arrogance of some owners that think only an aggressive dog is suitable to be owned by 'big' boys. It makes me so angry, I have owned dogs which are now on the dangerous dogs register in the UK, never once has one of my dogs ever bitten or attacked another dog nor human.

I think we were all (I certainly was) blaming owners who keep the wrong dogs for the wrong reasons (and often in the wrong conditions) and do not, or can not, control them. The dogs are also unfortunate victims , but what do you with a dog that is beyond rehabilitation? People and less aggressive animals have the right to walk freely without risk of attack.

I agree that large does not necessarily mean dangerous : Certain types of terrier can do more damage (jaws , teeth, musculature etc)than say, a Labrador or St. Bernard. But most smaller dogs are easier for the less experienced owner to control: at the very worst they can be picked up and restrained. And some breeds, regardless of size, are easier to domesticate than others and make more appropriate pets for most people.. And often small breeds make better guard dogs, as they tend to warn rather than attack first (unless you actually want to risk inflicting grievous bodily harm on a possibly innocent but misguided intruder!_)In calling for banning I was referring the type of dog registered as dangerous in the UK(where, without disrespect to the TRNC or to KAR) they are better equipped to deal with the problem.

I do think, as well as control of "dangerous" breeds, more should be done by the Charities to encourage people to chose dogs that they can look after and control properly and advise on training. I know KAR does good work in schools but adults also (including expats) often need help and advice - particularly those who may not be experienced and have taken on an animal without realising the implications, out of sheer kindness.



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Ragged Robin, you are correct. The situation here is so frustrating to any responsible animal lover. Offers of help or advice in the handling or training of any breed of dog will be heeded by responsible owners who wish to help, keep and rehabilitate any aggressive behaviour, the problem is that those who take a dog as a status symbol, who are happy for the aggression to continue to enhance their ego. Will they listen to advice or offered help by anyone - I think not. So the animal is the only thing that gets dealt with, so unfair and certainly not what true dog lovers want. The whole system of dog breeding, ownership and training needs dealing with here, but this is not the UK, how can we ex pats possibly tell the authorities here 'you have got it wrong, let us help'? So where does it go from here - sadly I think these type of threads will continue, dogs will end up either being destroyed, ill treated or dumped, and the status symbol, ego seeking owners just upgrade to another more powerful breed. Such a terrible situation.

I let my son walk our dog every morning as I believe it is beneficial for his health and state of mind ( 12 years old...nearly a teenager!). We ensure he has a big stick with him at all times. If it comes to it, he must protect himself and our Jasper above all.

This may mean he has to act brutally ( I dearly hope it never comes to this as we are real dog lovers) but I can see no other way.
I am terrified that some of the big dogs I have seen irresponsible owners failing to control, will escape from the lead and threaten them.

Sadly I am having to teach my son to do this even though it goes against everything we believe with regards to animals.

Just last week I was at the beach and two dogs off the lead ran up to me and my daughter and confronted us. One dog was baring it's teeth and really frightened her. I had to shoo it away aggressively and it's owners ( British ) said " They're only dogs"...
Un pigging believable...My dog came round the corner and didn't behave like that.

I don't care if you're British, Cypriot, Indian, Chinese, African or from Timbuktoo....control your dogs or keep them on the pigging lead.

Rant Over.

Jazzdolly: I am not sure a bit stick is a good idea. Although we are all rightly concerned about the increase of dangerous dogs, most strays arent, just sometimes boisterous and playful and you wouldnt want your son to injure one of them, or an escaped pet Worse with real danger the dog might be stronger than the boy and the stick might enrage it further.

Give him a water pistol instead (make sure it is clear it is obviously a toy not a real weapon for the sake of human bystanders or even a bottle of water. Most dogs will be deterred by water in their face. Can also be used against your own dog without harm if it has been unable to resist the temptation to join in a fight. I imagine pepper would have a similar result. Or skittle gravel or pebbles at their feet, indeed just the act of raising the arm in a throwing motion will send off most strays.

If you use a stick, get one with a curved handle, like a shepherd's crook. Use it either to trip up the dog, by hooking round its feet, or round the neck to pull it away from a fight, whilst keeping at arm's length oneself.

Grumbo: I quite agree, we can't tell the locals (though in the case I quoted it was locals who were most upset and frightened) or the Government. what to do .

But we can set an example. This is not a case of "interfering" with local traditions and culture. Dogs are not endemic to Cyprus, they were introduced I believe by the British. In any case, the local preference is for hunting dogs and used to be for Kangols, which , while the latter are big , strong dogs bred to protect flocks against wolves!, are working breeds and properly handled are protective rather than aggressive to humans.

Previous generators of Brits started the stray problem by abandoning dogs when the left the Island - but lets not start that again, there is already a long thread somewhere. And it is now the British who are starting a trend for macho dogs (and also "designer" dogs, which I deplore for the sake of the dogs themselves).

I dont want to start another argument, as I have already had some unpleasantness on the subject, some Charities have influence with the Government and in my view would do better to use that in respect of owning and handling dangerous macho dogs, rather than encouraging legislation that only penalises responsible owner who are already doing their best in difficult circumstances for strays.

Are the "British" responsible for all the stray dogs in Turkey as well Ragged Robin ?? if in doubt BLAME the British, again.

Munchkin, I don't think Ragged Robin is saying that at all. Personally I think RR has a good perspective eon things, and some sensible thoughts, and maybe it IS best left to the established charities to share some thoughts with the Government.

I find it rather amusing that the Brits are blamed for the Cyprus problem! And of course they have been blamed for problems in many places which were partsof the empire. They DO seem to have caused a bit of a problem in times past (and I am British, so guess I can 'criticise' my own) but whoever is to '#blame' for anything in the past, the important thing is that matters are dealt with in the present, and I am sure that this is what lal this discussion is about, and using a bit of logic and history into understanding things.

As to an answer, I think that anyone who comes up with an answer that works NOW, is in lien for the Nobel Peace Prize.

I confess that most of my life I have been terrified of big dogs, because of the potential damage they can cause which far exceeds that of havoc created by small dogs I have owned, which seem to have een causing fear among postmen and their ankle.s But such small dogs can be scooped up and made to obey. Not so big dogs, and especially big dogs which may not be trained or which may have been abused in their lives.

The problem is what my Australian friends might refer to as 'a curly one'

Why not - Brits are quick enough to blame everyone else

Seriously, I do not know about Turkey, but for Cyprus you only have to read the history. Again there has already been a long thread on the subject, among which I learned that Lord Kitchener started it, by bringing over and abandoning a pack of fox hounds!

Personally I wonder who brought the first poodle. From the coats of the many "Cyprus terriers" around there must at some stage have been one very randy poodle. Ooops, not that I have anything against Cyprus poodles/terriers: in fact there is one by my side at the moment reminding me it is time she was let out

Thank you for your kind words, Marion, I am glad we agree basically on this, and you are right it is one of the problems that needs a genius to solve.

I do actually get the impression (but I emphasise THIS is only an impression) that Turkey copes better with the stray dog problem
than Cyprus (and here I mean Cyprus not just the TRNC). Dare I say, maybe because Turkey has fewer expats? Or maybe Turkey has fewer strays per human population or per size of country.

Dog have never been one of my fears (there are others but Im not putting them here!) but I am very aware that a large boisterous dog (even if its intentions are strictly honourable) out of control can knock over and injure a small child or frail or elderly person.

I think my concern about dangerous breeds came from a book I read where a skilled, trained and very dedicated professional RSPCA officer, accompanied by an armed Police Officer, was understandably nervous about investigating the venue of a location where they believed a dog fight was taking place. Though maybe the owners were more of a threat than the dogs.

Despite my disagreements with some KAR policies (and no disrespect to the KKTC Police) I would not one of their members put in such a situation: far better surely to nip the problem in the bud by banning the proscribed breeds. If any existing animals are already in the country and prove to have responsible and capable owners who keep them under control, the simple answer is neutering.

I would not trust any dog 100%, I used to train and handle service dogs in the UK and we had the most placid and laid back dog you can imagine that we thought we could trust in every scenario until he bit someone. Yes its often down to the owner and how they are treated but you just never know!

The attacking dogs mentioned in the initial post belong to my neighbour and there are in fact three dogs which are guard dogs.Sometimes the bottom gate is open and I have seen the Shar Pei running loose once but luckily I had my dogs in the car.It is intimidating going past the house.I happened to meet the owner and the dog today in Petcross and it was shocking to see the damage both suffered.Id better start taking a big stick with me from now on and even though I'm a dog lover I would use it if I had to.

I think it is a salient point that on such a small place in the larger picture of the world we are so concerned about dogs - particularly dogs roaming about in packs.
I have stopped going for walks now on my own and certainly without a stout stick -- something I never have do to here in rural Scotland.
I appreciate we hear too often in the UK about a child being attacked or killed by a dog but I really think it is only a matter of time before it becomes the same situation here in North Cyprus.

I also feel afraid to walk alone now, which is very sad as walking is what I love to do. I have never owned a dog so am not experienced in dealing with them. It was helpful to read previous posts on this subject, but difficult not to show fear when confronted with an aggressive one. Luckily this hasn't happened to me.

Walking past the petrol station on the Bellapais road yesterday a small dog ran out and bit my foot as I had soft topped shoes on I was concerned, I took off my shoe to check if it had bit through but it was ok, two men in the office at the side of the building there were laughing, I went to them gave the a piece of my mind and asked for the owner of the dog, he came out said sorry it hadn't happened before and shrugged his shoulders. When we looked back as we walked up the road the dog was there barking at passing cars.

I would ask Fincho, who is a neighbour of the 'attacking Shar Pei' and 2 other dogs,--has he any idea why those people need 3 Guard Dogs? What have they that needs guarding? It's not a mansion with extensive grounds, so one wonders! When my son went to confront the owner, he had to shout from the street since the Shar Pei was loose on the steps! Does anyone know if the Police or Lapta Belediyesi have taken any action,--it's quite possible that some of the latter are related to the owners, as are many others in that area. Enough said!