Dogs

[PaulSands]

Heres a question..If I ever see somebdoy at a circuit with a dog what should I do?
Forget my experience of the mutt being walked in the Spa pitane cos that was just another world but on tow occassions in the UK this year I have seen dogs
Once at Mallory being walked off its lead near the kids swings and again this weekend in the Donington paddock (a puppy in a childs arms)
On bothe occassions I didnt know whether to say something myslef or inform somebody and to my shame both times I did nothing

[josvandeperre]

You do not approach the punter or their parent - Clerk of the Course perhaps ? Essentially is the circuit's responsability I would have thought

[Tim Falce]

Good question, at Lydden there is a sign saying dogs must be kept on a lead. I thought most other circuits don't allow them

[Maisie]

I feel the same about footballs, kids climbing on barriers, kids chucking things through the safety fences etc etc.

[goforit500]

I seem to remember a tale of a certain driver who smuggled his pooch into corporate days and took great delight to doing a few laps with said pooch hanging out the window - Name escapes me at present.....

[TimD]

The dog really should be nowhere near the circuit. This is partially because of the danger should the animal somehow wind up on the track, but more of concern is the damage that will be done to its hearing in close proximity to race engines, bearing in mind that dogs can pick up frequencies we can't.

Best dog story I ever heard was at the Bentley Drivers Club meeting at Silverstone a few years ago. The circuit PA sent out a message inviting the owner of a Honda Civic to return to their car because their dog was in considerable distress within. The message was repeated on two or three occasions over the next 15 minutes until eventually, the following announcement was heard:

"To the owner of Honda Civic registration ******, your dog is now enjoying a much appreciated drink of water at the Bentley club marquee. You are invited to collect him and leave the circuit. You may send the bill for the broken window to the Bentley Drivers Club or to Silverstone Circuits where it will be ignored at either location."

[Adam43]

There was a similar repeated announcement at Le Mans this year about a dog in a car.

As for dogs getting on the track. A couple of years ago a dog got onto the track at Mallory during a test day. Unfortunatly it was ran over and was killed instantly. It made a mess of the car that hit is too, which fortuantly was a saloon. There were three cars in close formation too, so it could have been worse (and this was partly why it happened to, the driver that hit is was unsighted). I was surprised at the attitude of some people there - it was almost as if it was the drivers fault!

[PaulSands]

There are clear signs and it mentions on the tickets to every circuit I've ever been to "No Dogs Admitted"
The Lydden exception seems really odd. I would've thought there would be an MSA ruling on the issue.

[rdjones]

Originally posted by AdamAshmore
There was a similar repeated announcement at Le Mans this year about a dog in a car.

Yes there was, the Radio Le Mans guys where not impressed at all

[Aysedasi]

Yes, I remember that too. Someone was threatening to go and break into the car to let it out, as I recall.

No offence intended to our French pals, but it seems commonplace at Le Mans. Why on earth do spectators take dogs along to a race circuit?

[jiggly_puff]

when i was at monza for the f1 this year...there was a man walking round with a west highland terrier wearing a ferrari cap under his arm - i have photographic evidence too! do think i could bribe them to give me free tickets..........?!!

[graeme]

Doesn't seem an issue at continental circuits - I've seen loads of dogs at Spa - the final instructions warned that they are allowed in.

[JimW]

I would've thought there would be an MSA ruling on the issue.

If my memory is correct the Blue book used to say that but many years ago it was changed. Now it is:

D.16.2 - It is recommended that in the interests of safety, animals should not be admitted to Race, Speed or Kart venues. If they are present they must be kept securely inside a vehicle, whenever practice or competition is taking place.

Most circuits have notices prohibiting entry but few do much to enforce this.

I seem to recall being told at the time of the change by a well informed source that the MSA did not feel able to control such matters. Nothing new there then.

Regards

Jim

[Dutch chap]

During the 25 years I've been a marshal in Holland it must have been about 4 times I got on the radio "request to stop, dog on track". Haven't had that chance in about the last 10 years though. That's for dogs.

In 1982 or so during a F1 test session we had the session stopped on the request "can we stop this, we have a horse on the track".

[Sheila M]

I remember once having a practice session stopped at Donington for COWS on the track - anyone else remember that?

Back to the thread - I have seen the words "Dogs are not permitted" in programmes so I guess it's down to the organising club as to whether they are allowed or not.

[mark ch]

And up to security to prevent them coming into the circuit. I hope the dog had a ticket/paid to get in...

[PaulSands]

it looked under 15 to me

[F3lollipops]

There seemed to be more pooches than drivers in the Pau F3 paddock this year - that's France for you!

[Andrew Kitson]

I remember the 1973 Tour of Britain being stopped at the Knebworth stage due to deer on the course. James Hunt's Camaro just missed them. There is also a great shot somewhere in one of the old 'Autosports' of a Formula Ford taking avoiding action due to a dog on the pit straight at Mallory. I'll try and find it.

[spearce]

Went to a bike meeting at Darley Moor recently, sheep on the infield, several dogs - some in the paddock, and even a cat (keeping warm in a camper van). You can't beat a bit of ......

[PaulSands]

ok I can beat that...look at this monster from Spa

[Chris Y]

All posts - red flag. Rabbit on track

[PaulSands]

to paraphrase Elmer Fudd in What's Opera Doc..."Kill the Wabbit!!"

[PaulSands]

it looks more like a mongoose however

[mark ch]

It's a good gnome impression too