More than three guide dogs a month are attacked by other dogs rendering some so distressed they cannot work again.
Some guide dogs are so distressed after an attack that they can't work again
More than three guide dogs a month are attacked by other dogs rendering some so distressed they cannot work again.
According to a review published by the Veterinary Record Journal, almost half the attacking dogs were types of bull breeds such as Bulldogs, Mastiffs, Pit Bulls and Staffordshire Bull Terriers.
Half of the guide dogs, who tended to be the gentler Labrador, Golden Retrievers or retriever cross breeds, were so traumatised by the attack that their performance or behavior deteriorated.
The guide dog owners were also hugely distressed by the attacks partly because they were unable to see how badly their guide dog was injured.
More than 60% of the attacks happened while the bull dogs were off their leads and the guide dogs were in their harnesses working.
Sue Royal from the RSPCA called for dog licenses to be reintroduced to enable dog owners to be traced.
"These attacks are extremely traumatic for the guide dog and their owner as the nature of their relationship means they have a very close bond," she said.
"We would urge all dog owners to be responsible and make sure their dogs are properly trained and kept on a lead when necessary."
Of the attacks examined in the report, almost half of the guide dogs and about 10% of owners involved sustained injuries severe enough to need veterinary or medical attention and in some cases the owner of the attacking dog left the scene without a word.
A spokesman for Guide Dogs for the Blind Association said that only a small number of the 4500 guide dogs working across the UK were attacked however it was still worrying.
"We are particularly concerned that an attack can upset the very special relationship forged between a dog and its handler. It can take time to reestablish the trust in the relationship, and upset the mobility of the blind or partially-sighted person," he said.
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Some guide dogs are so distressed after an attack that they can't work again
More than three guide dogs a month are attacked by other dogs rendering some so distressed they cannot work again.
According to a review published by the Veterinary Record Journal, almost half the attacking dogs were types of bull breeds such as Bulldogs, Mastiffs, Pit Bulls and Staffordshire Bull Terriers.
Half of the guide dogs, who tended to be the gentler Labrador, Golden Retrievers or retriever cross breeds, were so traumatised by the attack that their performance or behavior deteriorated.
The guide dog owners were also hugely distressed by the attacks partly because they were unable to see how badly their guide dog was injured.
More than 60% of the attacks happened while the bull dogs were off their leads and the guide dogs were in their harnesses working.
Sue Royal from the RSPCA called for dog licenses to be reintroduced to enable dog owners to be traced.
"These attacks are extremely traumatic for the guide dog and their owner as the nature of their relationship means they have a very close bond," she said.
"We would urge all dog owners to be responsible and make sure their dogs are properly trained and kept on a lead when necessary."
Of the attacks examined in the report, almost half of the guide dogs and about 10% of owners involved sustained injuries severe enough to need veterinary or medical attention and in some cases the owner of the attacking dog left the scene without a word.
A spokesman for Guide Dogs for the Blind Association said that only a small number of the 4500 guide dogs working across the UK were attacked however it was still worrying.
"We are particularly concerned that an attack can upset the very special relationship forged between a dog and its handler. It can take time to reestablish the trust in the relationship, and upset the mobility of the blind or partially-sighted person," he said.
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