Is it cruel?

Crisp_£_note

We were driving home from the shop when on the main road we came up behind a lady on a mobility scooter, (seems normal procedure for these to be driven on the road rather than pavement around here), and on the back of the chair was a cage no bigger than the chair back itself. Inside this tiny crate was a huge long black furred dog panting away and no room to move or stand just stuck sat upright the cage being no bigger than the dog itself bless it! The scooter was trundling along slowly as they do causing those following it to create a tailback of cars, my hubzy naturally being various gave lots of space behind as we were at the front of this rolling traffic jam. I couldn't get a picture as didn't have my mobile on me but I am very concerned for the dog and keep looking out for the woman with the dog on tow again. I know this maybe normal and the only way the owner can take the dog for a run at their local field but I didn't like it saw it as cruel to be honest and can't help but worry about the poor dog, especially in this heat let alone any other weather! There are alternatives for this poor animal to get its exercise than to endure the this surely?

I don't suppose there's much I can do unless I spot them again but thought I would have a bit of a rant as needed to tell someone!

Thanks

Cyclamen

It's a very tricky situation.

I am a scooter and chair user and have seen the back baskets used for bigger dogs and the front for smaller ones.. I think it depends on size of conatiner and how happy the dog is.

I wouldn't choose to carry my girl that way she would be terrified.. we go on the pavements and she walks next to me.. when on roads which i only do if there are no drop kerbs she sits on the footplate or goes on the pavement whilst I am on the road.

It depends on the temperment of the dog.. my lass will sit happily on footplate wedged between my legs (it is not graceful) and enjoy the breeze.. but a bouncier dog this would be dangerous.

I don't really know what to suggest.. part of me says.. fantastic the dog is still getting taken to fields etc for walks.. and part of me is concerned about mod eof transport.

I dont think you can do anything..

the dog could be perfectly happy.
the dog is getting taken out and not left at home
I assume it looked well fed and wasn't matted fur so its cared for

I think this might just be the adaptation that works best for her and her dog. There is a limit to the size of baskets you can buy and fixing points etc.. sadly with disability you have to compromise a lot and as long as the dog is healthy and still getting exercise it might all be ok.

Perhaps if you saw her again you could suggest a charity called REMAP.. they are a group of volunteers who customise equipment for disabled people where you cant buy something. Maybe they could create a more suitable 'transpotr box'.. I would also suggest a high vis jacket glued to the box.. its amazing how many of us dont use them or wear them then sit on a dark seat blocking the stripes.

i would go for friendly and helpful sort of chat about dog etc and work up to it.

teddysmum

If on the road , the dog must feel trapped and afraid as vehicles, which it would normally avoid, get close.


It worries me to see scooter users trailing tiny dogs, who could so easily be caught underneath or run over.

Cyclamen

teddysmum.. i agree with that ..you can get special brackets that hold the lead out to the side.. i think they are designed for bicycles..

No one should ever trail a dog with mobility equipment.. that strikes me as silly and the user is going too fast.

It took me a LONG time to get my girl to walk with me.. rightout to the side (very long lead) and she responds to 'turn' if i need to change direction.. but we started of just having treats and strokes sat on scooter in hallway. You also need a 'sprung lead' if possible so dog isn't pulled if scooter changes direction etc.

Tiny dogs i prefer to see in a basket, lap footplate and then allowed to 'play' when a filed is reached.

I am always very cautious about having my girl walking next to my wheels.. yes it scares me too and where possible someone else holds the lead.. but I would like to think most disabled ownesr have spent a lot of time trying to work out the best way to 'walk' there dog.

Some dogs do love scooters/chairs etc.. my girl has gone from being scared and hiding from scooter to getting excited when i pick up the keyring and start to get ready.

Crisp_£_note

Thanks for replies. I thought it was illegal to ride a scooter on the road but can see why they are as some pavements must be like roller coasters and I eir surfaces are also as unreliable as a the roads.
The dog did look well cared for but terrified. I assumed it had gone to the field as that's what I associated as nearest dog and thing but to think of it goes ng to town or further like to that is upsetting and personally would preferfer to see the larger dog on long leash small ones in basket but I this was a Labrador's size but had long hairy fur and looked so cramped and hot. Amazes me number people dont take water for their dogs yet they do themselves another bug of mine!

Great advice though and yes will remember for future references. Thanks

Cyclamen

Crisp_£_note wrote: »

Thanks for replies. I thought it was illegal to ride a scooter on the road but can see why they are as some pavements must be like roller coasters and I eir surfaces are also as unreliable as a the roads.

To be strictly legal it eneds to be a class 3 road or a road and pavement scooter. These are capable at going 8 mph and look decidedly bigger than the ones you frequently see in shops.

It is meant to have lights, indicators etc on the back.. if they aren't there i would suspect its the wrong type of scooter.

It is also required to have a log book and tax disc (this is free) just like a car if it is on the road.. i have mine with me for anyone to ask to see but as they are stealable and there isnt anyway of securing it safely (its on a dog clip on my basket) that i remove if scooter is left.

However i use my wheelchair on our street as the drop curb is half way down.. that is allowed.. just like pedestrians walking on road if no pavement.. but its terrifying for me.. and my hubby walks behind me as he is taller so more easily seen.

You could phone the local non emergency police number.. some 'scooter users' are known by them because they have erratic driving..yes drink driving on a scooter is also illegal. At my last house the local PCSO's new me as i lived by a primary school and they were there at last bell to see the kids and be part of community.. so seeing me and my girl coming down the road with her on footplate tongue lolling was common.

I would think a dog that size should be walking if pavements are suitable.. after all other folks walk dog to park.. but ownermay have limited time they can be out house for various health reasons etc and using road is quickest. Max 4mph on pavement but often that is too fast for safety.

My girl is a staffy and sits on footplate.. i have also had my friends Collie sat on my footplate so possible with bigger dogs.. but there is worry they will hop off if scared .

I wish i knew the answers.. as i said i have settled for less than ideal in order to still be able to take my girl out and worked hard to make her happy. But in the early days of going two lamposts down the road and back you'd have thought i beat my girl three times a day and was the worst owner ever as she was scared of my wheels.. it took a long time and a lot of dog biccies.

zaksmum

I take my two dogs out when using my scooter. It's the only way they are able to get a good walk. I go very slowly and they walk alongside quite happily.

They get excited now when they see anyone using a scooter - to them it must mean walkies!

notisis

I did in fact contact the RSPCA and the police a year or so back when I saw a mobility scooter with elderly driver going like the clappers in a pedestrian area towing a dog. The dog at times couldn't keep up and was being partially dragged along. The police said they would look out for the scooter and dog. I do hope the dog is ok.

meritaten

she may have been taking it to vets? for an emergency?