A WORRIED Ludshott Common user is launching a campaign to protect others from attacks by out-of-control dogs. Chris Bullick was badly scratched and bitten when an Alsatian clawed at him while he jogging on the common three weeks ago. He told The Herald that while he had got off lightly in the close encounter, he was worried about more vulnerable users being attacked by uncontrolled animals. And his fear of further attacks has prompted him to launch a campaign to protect anyone using the common - which borders Grayshott, Bramshott and Headley Down - whether they are walkers, joggers, cyclists or horse riders. Mr Bullick, who has lived near the common for 12 years, said: "Sadly, all of these things are more and more frequently spoilt by dogs or, more to the point, dog owners who are unable, or unwilling, to control their dogs. "While the danger of being bitten by an out- of-control dog is manifestly real, and the danger to children and older people must be much greater, I am most concerned about the many horse riders. "Many return from the common with tales of having their horses bolted by dogs who are off the lead, out of control and behave as, or form, packs that chase and snap at the horses' heels. "Larger dogs have attacked horses more ferociously - in one case an attack was so bad that the horse had to be destroyed." Mr Bullick's own daughter, Lottie, encountered a dog while riding recently, and was only saved from serious injury because she is an experienced rider. Both Lottie and Mr Bullick's wife Sara ride on the common frequently, and Sara is the chairman of the County Corner Riding Club. Mr Bullick also rides occasionally, and said being chased by a dog while on horseback is more terrifying than when he was bitten running. He added: "Surely other users of the common deserve to enjoy the countryside without the ever-present fear of injury to themselves or their own animals? "There's something seriously wrong here, and the problem appears to be that many dog owners have absolutely no idea of their responsibilities." Mr Bullick claims that many dog owners are breaking the criminal law, and two bylaws, if they do not have the ability to stop their dog should it go to attack someone. Owners with any breed of dog are breaking the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 if their pet is out of control in a public place. Although Mr Bullick's campaign is in the early stages, with no real initiatives set in concrete, he has made contact with several groups. He has spoken to Ludshott Common's manager Chris Webb, has been put in contact with a Petersfield-based dog warden and has informed the police of his ideas. Mr Bullick believes many of the problems can be sorted by educating dog owners on how to control their pets. He is also hoping to make contact with the area's local riding clubs who use the common and feel the dog problem needs addressing. Anyone who wants to support the campaign, or with suggestions for initiatives, can e-mail [email protected]">[email protected] for more information.
