Husky owners' plea for doggy playground after Costello site in west Hull condemned

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Friday, December 28, 2012
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Hull Daily Mail

THEY are known for being one of the most intelligent and beautiful breeds of dog in the world.

But, as any Siberian husky dog owner would confirm, despite their intelligence, it is not safe to let them off their leads.

  1. Mike Gibbs, of Huskies in Hull, leads a group walk.

    Appeal: Mike Gibbs, of Huskies in Hull, leads a group walk.

The active, energetic and resilient breed have an independent intelligence with an instinct to run, run and keep running.

If they are set free in an open area, unlike other dogs, it is likely the husky would run off forever.

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The Huskies In Hull group, which was formed to bring husky dog owners together, is now appealing for a place they can let their dogs off their leads safely.

Mike Gibbs, group co-ordinator said: "You can't let them off their lead unless it is in a secure area.

"We need somewhere enclosed. An ideal place is a tennis court or something similar with a 6ft fence.

"The dogs need exercise, a walk with a lead is not good enough.

"They are not the type of dogs you can just sit on your lap and expect to be good.

"If you do not let them exercise, they get frustrated, they chew carpets and furniture and eat just about anything."

Up until recently, the group were meeting at the Costello playing fields in west Hull and using the tennis courts which are currently not in use.

However, they were moved off by staff who have told them the area had been condemned.

Hull City Council has told the group they may be able to use the site in future, but would have to pay for use.

Mr Gibbs said: "We do not see why the council can't provide some sort of doggy playground where we can let them off their leads safely, without charging us to do so.

"If they can't, we are ideally looking for someone who has enclosed land somewhere in Hull who wouldn't mind us bringing the dogs for a run-about.

"If anyone has any land we could use, that would be brilliant."

The group currently do have the option to pay £1 per dog to use grounds at the Oakwood Rescue Centre on Sutton Fields.

However, the grounds are woodchip so, in winter, it is mostly waterlogged and unusable.

Mr Gibbs said: "We don't mind paying £1 to the charity as we know it goes to a good cause.

"However, a lot of the time the ground is unavailable, plus it is used for coffee mornings and for other dog owners who may not want to see the huskies off their leads."

A spokeswoman for the Siberian Husky Club of Great Britain said it is important owners are not tempted to let their huskies run free.

She said: "The club does not endorse or encourage anyone to let their Siberian huskies off lead.

"People all like to believe their dogs are different but, unfortunately, this is not true. Every Siberian is unreliable and just thinks it knows better.

"Your dog might decide to chase a furry thing such as a cat, rabbit or squirrel and get killed.

"They have no road sense and will just keep running despite traffic.

"It is not much hardship to keep the breed on the lead. In fact, I believe it to be more responsible."

Adam McArthur, assistant head of service for waste, cleansing, grounds and parks at Hull City Council, said the council was looking for a solution that suits everyone.

He said: "We have been working with the group for a number of months to look possible areas that will be suitable for them to exercise their dogs that have very specific needs.

"There is one possible area that would be appropriate but the group has not come back to us to move that forward to formalise an agreement."

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  • Profile image for Tasha041

    by Tasha041

    Monday, March 04 2013, 7:44PM

    “i cannot believe the negative comments about a safe dog walking area for people as well as dog!

    i have a beagle which also cannot be let off the lead as she will run off as she is a hunting dog and follows her nose. i personally think a dog walking area will be beneficial to many people and there dogs, great for socializing and outdoor training also i have had a few experiences when walking my dog of children who are afraid and having to avoid them, i would be more than happy to pay a donation for using an are that was safe it isn't like anyone is expecting HCC to pay for the area! just notify if there is one suitable, like i said i think it would be a great idea and very beneficial to people.
    Tasha”

  • Profile image for intheknowhaha

    by intheknowhaha

    Friday, January 04 2013, 11:28PM

    “oh my oh my
    sorry if i am sounding like some old moaning fart but when people see the words "huskies in hull" next to videos like this on the internet then they must think what a crazy lot that huskie in hull group is. and this is the last sort of think you want your group to be attached with when your asking for help.
    This as got to be one of if not the most dangerous ways to (exercise) your husky i have ever seen.
    Looks more like a sure fast way to do some major damage to yourself and your dog. Please dont ever try doing this sort of crazy stuff with your husky. god forbid what could happen if you fall. (a)the poor dog can run straight onto the road. (b) the dog could run the wrong side of a tree/ bollard and pull you off. (c)what would happen if the husky see's a cat/small critter. (d)you could do some major damage to anybody that runs out of there house straight into the path of the running husky. the reasons why you should never do this sort of stuff with your dog is endless. I hope you have sucsess in finding a safe secure area to let your husky's run around and play together safely.

    http://tinyurl.com/b24ndr3

    http://tinyurl.com/bhjxyhz

  • Profile image for comeon

    by comeon

    Friday, January 04 2013, 6:08PM

    “"mikeinhull", ,I would like to think that this group are responsible and don't leave dog mess after them!
    unlike some people!”

  • Profile image for mikeinhull

    by mikeinhull

    Friday, January 04 2013, 1:38PM

    “More dog **** to stand in.”

  • Profile image for Robin4Life

    by Robin4Life

    Thursday, January 03 2013, 2:08PM

    “I think i'm in agreement with the non-husky brigade on this one. If you own a pet, you should be able to provide for all its needs including socialising. Why should HCC provide a dog park for this?

    That is like me getting a horse, keeping it in my back garden and asking for HCC to provide me with a field to let it loose in.

    As for those saying there should be dog parks because there are parks for children, then I'm afraid you will have lost the plot. I could tell you what was wrong with those comments but it sounds like you are the type of people who prefer the company of dogs than people, in which case there is no hope for you.”

  • Profile image for thetruth123

    by thetruth123

    Thursday, January 03 2013, 10:47AM

    “there was a decent sized fenced wood'd area in sporoatly (i am not sure if it is still there) but that was a dog walk area for this sort of thing”

  • Profile image for Mildred

    by Mildred

    Thursday, January 03 2013, 10:23AM

    “reallyyoung_G

    The issue is that most dogs can be let off the lead in any park or open space, but Huskies cannot be let off, as (a) they will keep running and not come back and (b) they have no road sense.

    At the end of the day, there is no reason whatsoever why the council should provide something like this at cost to the taxpayer. However, this whole fandango has been created by a number of people - both regular commenters, and Hull husky people - who have given the air of having a bit of an attitude problem, over something that really should not have created such a stir.

    People come on here asking for donations for their sick children, animals, etc, which is fine, but no-one ever asks why they are special amongst all the families suffering in silence. So, why should a group not come on and ask the public if there is any chance of someone having a bit of fenced in land?”

  • Profile image for reallyyoung_G

    by reallyyoung_G

    Wednesday, January 02 2013, 6:51PM

    “klhull0

    Now come along. Can't you see the difference between the USA, Australia and the UK?

    Think about the size. The USA and Australia are massive and has lots of spare land. The UK isn't and doesn't.

    Out of interest, do you know of any dog parks - let alone Husky parks - in the UK?”

  • Profile image for Mildred

    by Mildred

    Wednesday, January 02 2013, 5:18PM

    “I have a Siberian Husky. I have a lot of land and access to even more. The dog is well exercised and is healthy and happy... according to me, and the vet. He is very well looked after. I have had no dealings with this group, but I really don't understand why everyone has a bee in their bonnet about it.

    At the end of the day, you can say what you like about people not being allowed to own dogs if they cannot give them the right environment, as you can about any animal or thing. However, is it not better surely that someone gives an animal love and a home, rather than it be destroyed, or suffer? If these folk are not lucky enough to have big secure gardens of their own, or access to land, then why should they not seek better for their pets? They obviously care for their animals, and are not abusing or torturing them in any way. They obviously have knowledge of the animals and know they cannot be allowed to run free like your run-of-the-mill Lab or Spaniel. At the end of the day they are not asking for the moon on a stick, and they are acting responsibly.

    Some attitudes on here - from both sides of the fence - have caused no end of silliness. So, come on, let's chill and let the Hull Huskies alone and live our own lives, in the knowledge we are all great!”

  • Profile image for klhull0

    by klhull0

    Wednesday, January 02 2013, 12:38PM

    “It is not about walking the dogs and general gardens big enough, our dogs like a good run. People moan if they are let off their leads in public areas so it would be nice for the council to look at a park or an area for the dogs to run and socialise. America, Australia etc have these so why can't we. We love our pets so why not let them run free in a secure and safe place.”

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