[ronsroni]

A few days ago, I was at Mulberry dog park with a friend and our dogs. A seemingly lovely couple came in with their two, small dogs and there was much sniffing and posturing then the dogs did it too. (JK). At some point, two dogs approached the couple and their little gal barked as she was sitting alongside them on the bench. She did what dogs do. She protected her owners. No teeth. Just a warning.
Sadly, the man yelled STOP THAT and slapped the teacup dog in the muzzle three times. I felt sick immediately. He was indignant and let his dog know it.
Strange as he was explaining that the dogs are just checking each other out. Nobody would get hurt, yadda yadda. Then, BLAM. He hit her.
Shortly, they left and the little one took up the rear in the line. There is a line that is drawn and should not be crossed. Although dicey, I mentioned that it was a natural instinct in canines to protect their owner if menace is assumed. He aint having it. Nope. Poor dogs. what a stressful situation.
She is a sassy little dog with a beautiful, playful disposition. I hope he reconsiders his treatment and that the woman with him can STOP HIM from doing that.

[gomoho]

I hate when I see that - and usually open my big mouth and try to point out that maybe there would be a better way to handle the situation.

[paulandjean]

Really no way to handle this.Pretty much its their dog and they can do what they like. This one you stay out of.

[graciegirl]

I thought this was going to be a thread on safe sex.

[Deb01]

Gracie,

I'm getting too old for safe sex just going for the fun of it now.

[Happinow]

I would have had tears in my eyes. No need to hit the puppies. They can learn in some other manner. Just like when people hit children......I just cringe. These people are unconsciously unskilled.

[Patty55]

I doubt the woman can stop him, he probably smacks her in the head too.

[ronsroni]

Originally Posted by Patty55

I doubt the woman can stop him, he probably smacks her in the head too.

SICKENING, no? My dearest friend had a dad who beat mom as a matter of course. One day, I entered their kitchen as she was cowering under the kitchen table and he was ABOVE her with a tightly rolled fist; menacing. I suggested he get the punch off STAT as the police were coming.
ANIMAL. He is dead now. So is she.
She hung around and enabled him as the makeup sex was wonderful.
PATHETIC.

[Taltarzac725]

SPCA of Central Cruelty Investigation

I assume this is the chapter for the Villages area. They would know though who handles this area of FL with respect to the prevention of cruelty to animals if the Villages is in another Chapter of the SPCA.

Neither human nor animal should have to suffer from physical violence. A woman or man at least has a voice and a choice. Even if the choices and the voice can be extremely limited.

[paulandjean]

Do not think this would be considered "Animal Cruelty".!

[Taltarzac725]

Originally Posted by paulandjean

Do not think this would be considered "Animal Cruelty".!

It is a matter of degree. This does look like a dog owner who should be monitored by other dog owners.

The best way though would be simply to talk to the dog owner in question gracefully (pun intended). Graciegirl often has the wisdon about how to approach something like this. With compassion and a sense of a humor.

We do watch for abusive dog owners when at various dog parks in the Villages. The first step should be to befriend the dog owner and see why he/she is so upset that he/she takes it out on their beloved pet.

[paulandjean]

Originally Posted by Taltarzac725

It is a matter of degree. This does look like a dog owner who should be monitored by other dog owners.

The best way though would be simply to talk to the dog owner in question gracefully (pun intended). Graciegirl often has the wisdon about how to approach something like this. With compassion and a sense of a humor.

We do watch for abusive dog owners when at various dog parks in the Villages. The first step should be to befriend the dog owner and see why he/she is so upset that he/she takes it out on their beloved pet.

Good Luck with that approach.!

[Taltarzac725]

Originally Posted by paulandjean

Good Luck with that approach.!

Not saying it works a lot. For instance, if you see someone hitting a dog at the local dog park I go to, the dog owner and dog usually are not there very long. They are not the type of customers welcomed by the other dog owners nor by the dog park proprietors.

Other dogs also get distressed when they see one of their others being beaten.

I am not saying I have seen much animal abuse here in the Villages. Very little.

And if I ran into a man or woman abusing his or her pet out on some Villages street I would probably stay out of it as I would have no idea of what kind of situation might be involved.

[paulandjean]

Do not think a "Boy Howdy" would do it . This day and age you are better to stay out of it. What if the person says "Mind your own business",what would your next step become.

[Taltarzac725]

Originally Posted by paulandjean

Do not think a "Boy Howdy" would do it . This day and age you are better to stay out of it. What if the person says "Mind your own business",what would your next step become.

We are talking about a Villages' dog park not some tough neighborhood in Orlando, Ocala, or Tampa where you could see a gang member beating a pit bull for not behaving.

I do think that in this situation described by the original poster that trying to get to know the person hitting the dog is the right approach. It has to be done tactfully though.