#840 Should Barney's One Bite Cost Him Its Life?

In this episode, Niall speaks to television presenter and animal advocate Andrea Hayes, known to viewers for her compassionate coverage on Animal A&E, Dog Tales and Coming Home for Christmas.They discuss a heartbreaking email from a listener whose eight-year-old Labrador, Barney, suddenly snapped at her two-year-old son and badly cut his hand. Although the dog had never shown aggression before, the woman’s husband now believes Barney must be put to sleep because the risk to their child is simply too great.With friends, family and a rescue centre unwilling to take the dog, the family feels they have run out of options. Andrea considers what may cause a previously gentle dog to bite, whether Barney should first be examined for pain or illness, and whether safely rehoming him is realistic.Should one frightening incident cost a beloved family pet his life, or must the safety of a young child come before everything else?