General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: 4-Year-Old Girl Attacked by Dog at Carlsbad Restaurant [View all]hamsterjill
(15,220 posts)My bet is that the kid did something to the dog. Even so, the kid doesn't deserve to be attacked.
But I am in animal rescue and I don't know HOW many times I've seen people bring unruly children to adoption events. The kids go through running and screaming and poking and prodding and picking up animals WITHOUT permission. The same unruly children have never been taught how to properly pick up a dog or cat, and they certainly haven't been taught about respect. Until they meet me because I won't tolerate any kid teasing or mistreating an animal.
I'm not saying that this was the case in this instance as the article is clear that the children had permission to pet the dog, etc. But even having given permission, it's up to the dog owner to make sure the situation does not get out of hand.
I have no issue with dogs anywhere, but I can understand how some people would not want to have them in places where food is served. I don't think that dogs plus food necessarily will lead to disaster in the majority of cases, however. The issue is always going to be about someone being in control of the situation. Dog personalities are as many and varied as human personalities. Some are good in crowded areas; some are not. Some are good with children; some are not. Some are good with children some of the time, but not all of the time.