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Can we have a grown up discussion about dangerous dogs without their owners responding, “Oh, my Bully wouldn’t hurt a fly, he has such a soft heart, he’s so misunderstood”?

This usually within twenty-four hours of another stranger being mauled. “Oh, but the problem’s the owner, not that ever-so-gentle dog.” Well, yes, fine, we all agree on that, but isn’t that the point?

There’s a teenage girl who lives near us. Every day a Rottweiler takes her for a walk. She can’t control the thing: it just pulls her along, its strength clearly far greater than hers. All fun and games until it goes racing after someone or something it considers a threat.

Whether the problem is the owner or inadequate training is immaterial when you’re faced with an out-of-control hound. I’m sorry to say that we have all had personal experience of numerous near-misses, whether walking alone or with young children.

My wife had a large dog spin into a frenzied rage as she walked along our own street, nearly hurtling across the road at her. Fortunately, it’s owner held onto to its reins, so the dog just pulled her to the ground instead, leaving the owner covered in bruises.

Out walking in a nearby field, I witnessed a mother with an infant being harassed by a powerful dog off its lead. Yes, again, the problem was indeed the owner, who was nonplussed, and seemed incapable of understanding why mother and child were terrified and distraught.

It’s lovely that dog and owner have such a wonderful connection of mutual trust, respect and affection. Unfortunately strangers tend to fare less well. That’s why things like leads were invented, so you can maintain control of them in unpredictable circumstances, such as in the presence of children or livestock.

In Turkey, we have a curious relationship with our neighbours’ dogs. One of them has appointed itself our guard, accompanying us whenever we journey home after dark. We’re grateful, but that doesn’t mean I ignore the fact that these are dogs whose primary function is protecting property, crops and livestock from wild beasts and intruders.

If you’re a responsible dog owner, congratulations to you. Well done for investing in proper training for your beloved pooch. Kudos for making it part of the family and showing it love, care and attention. It’s for good reason that a dog is considered man’s best friend.

But let’s not embed our heads in the sand and pretend there isn’t a problem with irresponsible owners, particularly those who use these animals for protection, brandishing the creature as a status symbol more than as trusty companion.

There were nearly 22,000 reported cases of out-of-control dogs causing injury last year, an increase of 34% on the previous year. Perhaps we can blame pandemic restrictions which meant young dogs were not properly socialised or trained, or a general degeneration is societal civility and common sense.

Either way, it’s time we had a sensible discussion about the issue. Perhaps it’s time for responsible dog owners not go on saying everything is okay whenever another tragedy occurs, but to start having a conversation with their peers about what they need to do to ensure dogs remain man’s best friend. What’s the secret of your success?