Author Topic: Looking for feedback about stray dogs on airfields.  (Read 9278 times)

Offline Jack_Smith

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Looking for feedback about stray dogs on airfields.
« on: June 21, 2009, 02:05:04 PM »
Hi !

I'm a tower controller at some major european airport.

I'd like to read some real-life experiences from any tower controller or airport staff on how a stray dog on the airfield would be handled at your facility.

The reason is that yesterday evening, from the tower cab we spotted a little dog next to the runway. Pilots weren't that bothered and agreed to land alongside, while the airport staff was chasing the dog away in their cars. When he was at a safe distance from any a/c traffic, they didn't try to catch him and bring him to a shelter, no, they just shot him dead.
This is the second time I see a stray dog killed this way. Last time, they ran several times on him with their cars.

While they were chasing away the second stray dog, I knew what was coming and threatened to report it to the police if they killed him (apparently, that didn't deter those rednecks). Worse is, they are now mad at me for wanting to report it.

Hence this message to get some feedback because I can't believe that they just treat dogs this way everywhere around the world. I'd like to show them that there might be other solutions.

You can also mail me : StrayDogFeedback@gmail.com

Thanks for your time.



Offline Robin Rebhan

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Re: Looking for feedback about stray dogs on airfields.
« Reply #1 on: July 02, 2009, 11:53:12 PM »
I am a Private Pilot ( and dog lover ). My home airport is KSCH, Schenectady, NY USA. Critters are around on occasion and really do a good job of keeping out of the way of aircraft. Coyotes, ducks, geese, turkeys, occasional stray dog.
So far tower advises aircraft of any potential animal in the area of runway. I have done a low flyby as have others to ward off possible animal encounter/conflict. And that is about it.
I cannot imagine having to shoot a stray dog when animal control could simply tranquilize or humane trap the dog, if it is not possible to catch the dog.
So far as a pilot I have had more problems with people than animals, but I would not recommend such harsh methods against people.
« Last Edit: July 04, 2009, 08:44:58 PM by Robin Rebhan »