Dogs have become an indispensable part of our society. But a lot has changed in recent years. Despite expertise certificates, dog licenses and information campaigns, more and more dogs are exhibiting problematic behavior. For “World Dog Day”, the Animal Corner investigated the causes.
The anniversary of the fatal bite attack on a jogger occurred in early October and the sad image of the candles at the scene of the incident will probably never disappear from our minds. The owner of ‘Elmo’ was given a fifteen-month prison sentence by the court, five of which were unconditional – but this was subsequently converted into a fine of 1,800 euros. Pure mockery for those left behind.
This morning – on “World Dog Day” – a similar case will be heard at the Bruck an der Leitha court. Rottweiler dog “Kim” escaped from the garden and attacked a grandmother and her grandchildren in the street. The woman died months later from her serious injuries and the court’s verdict is now eagerly awaited.
Up to 4,000 bites per year
Fatal attacks like these are tragic isolated cases. But now you read several times a month about serious incidents in which people are harmed by a dog bite. According to the accident database of the “Traffic Safety Council”, approximately 3,900 people in Austria are injured every year by dog bites and require hospital treatment. The number of unreported cases is estimated to be much higher.
Has that always been the case, or has it just become more of our focus? And what actually happens to the dogs afterwards? The “crown” asks someone who needs to know.
Association “Devil’s Dogs”.
Georg Resch has a shelter for dogs that have been badly bitten and no one wants to take them in anymore. Rottweiler dog “Kim” ended up with him after the incident, and the four “Grazer Malis” who bit the owner’s grandmother and were hospitalized were also given a second chance at the Resch institution. This place is by no means a ‘hell’ – as the name ‘Devil’s Dogs’ suggests – but is actually a paradise for dogs.
The four-legged friends lack nothing on the more than four thousand square meters of grounds. There is plenty of safe exercise, contact with other dogs, a swimming pond, lots of nature around and an owner who understands her. In fact, because Georg Resch lives with all his “fur boys” under one roof and even sleeps in the large outdoor kennel complex on hot summer days.
A life between doghouses
But this has nothing to do with “campfire romance”, it is a grueling job to resocialize these dogs. The former police officer even gave up his place in the elite “Cobra” unit to take care of his club full-time. “I live for these dogs and want to improve the current situation in Austria,” said the 38-year-old from Salzburg about his lifelong dream.
But Resch experiences every day how difficult it is to achieve lasting improvements in animal protection. Because every week he receives about twenty questions from people where the dog has taken over the command: “It always happens the same way. The animals are young, maximum three to four years old, and the owners are completely overwhelmed. They were bought without any thought and no one really cared. The sweet puppy has now become a spirited young dog that needs to go – preferably immediately.”
The number of incidents is increasing
The expert knows that there have of course been biting incidents in the past, but it is clear to him that these have increased. Figures also provide information about this: While there were on average around 650,000 registered dogs in Austria before the pandemic, there have been more than 800,000 since 2020, according to market researcher “Statista”.
The generation of ‘impulse purchases’
Getting a dog has never been easier. Thanks to Amazon and Co, we have forgotten how to wait or choose something carefully. Puppies can also be easily ordered online, even with delivery to your door. Fewer and fewer people think about the features of the breed they want and buy based on purely visual preferences.
But this decision will ultimately be counterproductive if, for example, the beautiful Australian Shepherd no longer lets itself go by chasing after cyclists. According to its actual breeding purpose, it must quickly catch sheep that stray from the flock.
Dog training with heart and brain!
The fact that more and more dog bites are receiving our attention is mainly due to the owners. More and more owners lack the will to keep their dogs sufficiently occupied and trained. Living with a dog would automatically keep people fit, simply because of the animal’s need for exercise. However, if you look at some dog owners, you see that the dog is condemned to a life on the couch.
“If a dog is not exercised in a manner appropriate to its species, it can develop problematic behavior. Exercise, activity and contact with other dogs are extremely important and should be integrated into the daily routine,” Georg Resch advises all dog owners.
Despite his enthusiasm, dog lover Resch always reaches his limits. He has to read again and again that his club is “the last chance” and is also openly confronted with the fact that otherwise he would be euthanized. “There is so much to do, also from a political perspective. As a lone fighter, you don’t even know where to start,” said the boss of the “Devil’s Dogs” tiredly.
It is far from possible to fulfill every request. There is not only a lack of time and money, but also of support from many areas. On the one hand, Resch is called in by offices and authorities when they need a place for a suspicious dog. On the other hand, he is fighting a jungle of official regulations if he wants to build new kennels.
According to reports, people in his home community are not well disposed towards him as they clearly do not see the importance of an institution like this. “From my professional experience I know that it is better to work with the authorities than against them,” says the former police officer.
Looking for a new place to stay
He is now looking for a new place where his project will be welcomed: “It’s paradoxical! Many people pat me on the back, but few want to participate in the solution. But who knows, there might be a mayor and dog lover among the readers who has a suitable building for me!”
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
