Although this forum is the home (mostly) of lighthearted wit and banter, with my moderator's hat on I don't think Colin's original post was made (entirely) just to allow us to take the piss.
As well as the numerous cases in the media of late, we've had a couple of incidents over the years at a well-known (ex-)tearoom, and below I've copied a note sent to me from Sharon Johnstone from Wilmslow RC.
Many of us have dogs, several of whom come out Wed nights. and I suspect most of us like them most of the time, but there is the other side....
Hi Julian, I wanted to add to your forum but unable to register. I just wanted to add my bit about dog attacks. I don't know if you are aware but I got savagely attacked on the Bollin near Prestbury in March. The staffordshire Bull Terrier ripped open my arm, I had 4 nights in hospital, 4 weeks off work, unable to do many things I enjoy. I am still undergoing treatment and I will always have the scar on my forearm as well as my mind. Runners MUST report incidents to the POLICE and preferably insist on the owners name and address. There is not much police can do without a name but the saying goes that the first bite is free - meaning unless previous reports have been made then the dog is not classed as being 'dangerous'. I can tell you chapter and verse about dog laws etc. and for those that have seen the pictures will appreciate the damage a 'dangerously out of control dog' can do - this is the phrase runners must inform owner of. Please let me know if I can be of help - I gave a talk at Wilmslow Club one evening. Sharon
Sharon - and Hazel - have perhaps hit the nail on the head, if there's something to report, then report it, with as much information as you can gather, not just moan on here. It's likely to be the only starting point to get things done.