Rottweiler owners say dogs are NOT killers (UK)

[Rene Allegrini]

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Rottweiler owners say dogs are NOT killers

TWO Bulwell owners of rottweilers have launched a campaign to counter a public image of such dogs as killers.

Pauline Graley, of Cinderhill Road, and Susan Horwood, who lives on John Wright Close, say they are prepared to take their fight as far as they can.

They are contacting Bulwell's Labour MP Graham Allen to seek his support.

Susan (61) says her rottweiler, Tyson, who will be four in March, has received death threats.

While Pauline (60) claims that when she took her ten-week-old puppy, Zante, to Bulwell Market, somebody said: "So that's another killer dog you're breeding."

She added: "That was even though Zante looked really cute with his head sticking out of a bag."

Susan said: "We want to show there is another side to the story that has not been told.

"We are not condoning attacks by dogs on children that occasionally hit the headlines.

"But all rottweilers are being tarred with the same brush. These dogs are not born aggressive or vicious and it is the way they are reared that counts.

"We have reached the point where dogs are being destroyed through no fault of their own. Enough is enough.

"We are expecting a bit of a backlash to what we are trying to do but that won't deter us."

Susan said she had owned five rottweilers over the years and never had a problem with any of them.

"People tend to bad-mouth rottweilers without knowing anything about them," she added. "I don't have any time for macho types who acquire rottweilers just as a status symbol."

Pauline said: "I have owned quite a few rottweilers and I take great pride in the fact that all of them have been professionally trained.

"My present dog, Dude, is the fourth I have owned to win a top trophy in an annual obedience show at Leicester.

"One of my previous dogs, Zach, was actually attacked by a West Highland white at a show – but he did not retaliate.

"One thing I want to stress – and it should be common sense – is that you should never leave young children on their
own with a rottweiler.

"Youngsters' behaviour is unpredictable and you never know if the child might unwittingly provoke the dog."

Anyone wishing to support the campaign can ring Pauline on 0115 9761620 or Susan on 0115 9753650.
09 February 2007

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