Quote:
Originally Posted by VApeople
If you are concerned about your safety, then carry a weapon when you walk.
When we moved to Osceola Hills 3.5 years ago, we often saw dogs not on leashes. As we were walking one evening, two large unleashed dogs charged up to us in a very threatening manner, but the owner eventually got control of them.
The next day, we went to the Sumter County Animal Control and filed a complaint against the owner and we also went to The Villages office in Lake Sumter Landing to file a complaint.
After that, I would carry a metal hiking pole with a sharp metal point when we walked.
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Dogs don’t like something thrown at them. In my native village many people had guard dogs and if someone walked by their property the dogs would likely attack. People walking used walking sticks and if a dog was charging, lean down suddenly as if you are picking up a rock. Given the number of rock mulches in people’s gardens in TV it is easy enough to find. But just the sudden movement usually throws off a dog.
Don’t hesitate to protect yourself, the owner may not be able to control their dog. The other thing is pepper spray, a small can is easily carried on a lanyard. Sometimes I feel it would be more effective on the owner.... and yes, I am a dog owner but people come first.
Then there are situations where the owner can’t look after their dogs. I was walking in my area when 2 medium size dogs escaped from an owner using a walker and dashed towards me. I was by myself. The dogs were barking. I recognized the type of bark was not hostile. The owner said, “You want a dog?” I just smiled. The dogs returned to him, but it was obvious that he could not physically control them. So what is he supposed to do? I am not sure.