I HAVE had a run of cases where dogs have been attacked by other dogs that are not under control – often with tragic results.

As we know from news reports it is not only dogs that get attacked by dogs – people are at risk as well. I was involved in an incident that got me thinking about the responsibility of dog ownership.

I was out for a run in the countryside near my house on a public footpath when I saw a large black dog running towards me. I slowed my pace but kept running, the dog ran past me, circled round and the next thing I knew it had jumped up and grabbed my hand in its mouth.

Because I am very used to dogs and not scared of them I kept my hand still and eventually the owner got to us and called the dog off.

I ran on having suggested ‘politely’ to the owner that he should keep his dog under control.

It was only after the event that I thought how bad the situation was. What if I had been a child? My hand height is child’s head height.

What if I was someone scared of dogs? I am sure that if I had panicked and pulled my hand away it would have made the situation worse and I would have been bitten. These situations are not uncommon and the ones we hear about on the news that involve fatalities are appalling. So come on dog owners, be responsible.