Re: [PyrNet-L] Provoked aggression - advice?

[Magic Moment <magicm@ameritech.net>]

> 
> Well, this sort of goes along with the biting conversation.  How much
> provocation does one expect before a pyr does get aggressive?

It depends on the Pyr - some take more than others just like people. I
have some here that will take more than others and do allot more
"warning" behavior before they decide to move to the next step.

  What I'm wondering, in todays society,
> does the dog owner have any recourse at all?  Can she call the cops for
> animal cruelty or abuse?  If the neighbor does end up getting bit because
> she continues to torment the dog, will my friend be liable?  You can
> certainly call the police when someone hits your child, can you do the same
> with hitting your dog, or would they just laugh?  (you can certainly tell
> I'm emotionally involved in this!)

I would report it - the problem is, that your friend has now threatened
this neighbor with physical violence - this is where she could have a
problem. Here, you can call when someone else hurts or torments your dog
but, you'd better be willing to prosecute or the next time the police
will not do a darn thing. Not to many people realize this but, a humane
officer also has the authority in most states top take a child out of an
abusive situation as easily as an animal, it is not used often because
there are now othere agencies that handle children and it is an old law
but, it is used. It sounds like your friend lives in a very anti dog
community to start with and I suggest that she get herself copies of all
the laws and ordinaces regarding dogs/animals and read them thouroughly
and keep them on hand. Here the law is no barking between 11 pm and 7 am
but, I had the cops called twice because of barking during the
day(renters), I showed them a copy of the law and the fact that the
callers cat was the one causeing them to go into barking fits and he
left and told her to bring her cat in because it was at large(law
prohibiting that as well) and causing the problem in the first place.
> 
Lisa