In this story from the UK, a woman has been arrested and released on bail over the attack by seven dogs on a retired veterinarian. He was mauled to death in his garden by this pack of dogs. The dogs had been introduced to his home only weeks earlier. Six of the dogs belonged to a woman who lived with him and whose presence in his home was to help him in his old age.
The veterinarian’s name is Anthony Harrington. He was 77 years of age when he was killed. He was found unconscious in the village of Meriden, Warwickshire on November 25 of last year.
He had suffered multiple bite wounds and his clothing was scattered around the garden. He died at the scene. His female friend was arrested at the scene on suspicion of owning a dog that was dangerously out of control under the Dangerous Dogs Act. She’s been released while investigations continue.
Seven dogs were seized at the home including Bernese Mountain dogs and dachshunds.
Harrington loved animals and one of the seven dogs involved belongs to him. His female friend had moved in weeks before to help him his recovery from a knee operation.
No one knows why the dogs attacked him (I provide some pointers below). His family is distraught and they hope the investigation can shed some light on what happened.
Harrington was known locally as a veterinarian and tractor engine enthusiast. He was a widower. With his late wife he bought The Large Veterinary Center near Birmingham in 1980. Both retired from full-time practice later.
RELATED: Horrible Hector, a vicar’s dog attacked a parishioner’s pet dog
Why might a group of seven dogs in a home suddenly attack the home’s occupier?
Unprovoked dog attacks can be terrifying and shocking. While there’s no one-size-fits-all explanation, several factors may contribute to such incidents. Let’s explore some possibilities:
- Fear and Threat:
- Motivation: Dogs often attack due to fear. If they feel threatened or cornered, aggression can result.
- Territorial Behavior: Dogs may become aggressive when guarding something they highly value, like their favorite resting place or a cherished possession (e.g., a dog bowl).
- Defensive Instinct: If a dog perceives a threat, it might react aggressively to protect itself or its territory.
- Misinterpretation of Signs:
- Subtle Warnings: Dogs rarely attack without warning. However, these signs can be subtle and easily missed by humans, especially children.
- Body Language: Dogs communicate through body language cues. When we’re not feeling comfortable, we express it verbally, but dogs rely solely on nonverbal cues.
- Pain and Medical Conditions:
- Pain: A generally pleasant dog might attack if it’s in pain. For instance, moving out of a doorway could tweak a painful joint.
- Medical Issues: Liver disease affecting the brain or brain tumors can cause unpredictable behavior in dogs.
- Holiday Stress:
- Christmas Example: During the holiday season, changes in routine, houseful of guests, excited children, and disrupted walks can leave dogs bored and confused.
- Misunderstanding: We may misinterpret their cues due to our long list of undone Christmas chores.
- Children and Dog Bites:
- Common Occurrence: Young children are most commonly affected by dog bites.
- Height-Related Bites: Research shows that 76% of dog bites to children occur on the lips, nose, or cheeks due to their height.
Remember, dogs are not people—they have their own rules and conventions. Understanding their perspective and paying attention to their cues can help prevent unprovoked attacks. 🐾🚫🦴.
Sources: VCA Hospitals, BBC, Dogvills, cvm.nsu.edu, Mirror newspaper.
