Thanks for pointing that out. Before we moved to Osceola Hills, I asked to see a copy of the Declaration of Restrictions so I could verify that it said dogs must be on a leash. I was told, perhaps incorrectly, that all of the villages have the same restriction on dogs.

Would you please tell the name of the village where you live so I can check your Declaration of Restrictions for myself? Thanks.

Sure. Mallory Square.

I absolutely think people should have their dogs on a leash. That is a law and a good one. I love dogs, but don't have any of our own, and I am afraid of Pitbulls, which may be irrational, but I am. It was mentioning the shooting of a dog that made me wonder if the OP was afraid of all dogs and did not like all dogs. There are many people like him. Everyone would be happier here if people were good dog parents and if they would remember that they may love their furry kids, but others may not, and to make their furry kids behave in a manner as to not make other people offended. The people I know well and our neighbors are all good dog parents and I so enjoy them and their pets. But I love all dogs and attribute good things to them they may not have, and think they will all be equally as fond of me. That is prejudice and I have it. In fact the more I know about people, the better I like dogs. BUT............

The pets on a leash is NOT a deed restriction. That is the law in Sumter and Marion County but not in Lake County, apparently;

Is There a Dog Leash Law in Sumter County (Bushnell, Wildwood, Cherry Lake, Saint Catherine) Florida? - Florida Child Injury Lawyer Blog

Is There a Dog Leash Law in Lake County (Altoona, Astatula, Clermont, Eustis, Leesburg, Mount Dora, Tavares) Florida? - Florida Child Injury Lawyer Blog

Is There a Dog Leash Law in Marion County (Ocala, Silver Springs ) Florida ? - Florida Child Injury Lawyer Blog

This thread is becoming more entertaining to read than a dog poop thread..................:popcorn::popcorn:

I got the same report on you from the fella's back home. Lol. Good guy, no snitch! Our boy is well trained but we must take into account the others who live around us. I have our Boxer Mr. Barney take care of his business before we go for a walk. I would never allow him to relieve himself on your property. I think that is just common sense. We put Barney on a leash when we got here and he looked up at me and thought What The Hell Is This Rope For? He is trustworthy and listens well but he is an animal and I don't remember making any laws in Florida so I have decided we'll just follow them instead. Our dog is for the enrichment of our life, not to ever scare anyone or violate their property. If the law says Leash 'em then just do it. :duck:

Then clearly the owner is wrong and I am sorry that this happened to you. I sure hope this gets resolved for you and your neighbors.

Now I feel sorry for Mr. Barney [emoji240]

Read 'em again. 2.23, Shall be responsible to keep such pet on a leash.

Mr. Barney has visited our home. He is gentle and has good manners and is much loved. I have not yet approached him about being my nephew, but I am planning to do so.

possibly the dogs have a invisible fence and that is why they are allowed to roam the yard unleashed.

whoops...never mind....missed the fact the dogs were in the road......

When we had a dog, we observed that it took a while for ours to adapt when we moved. OP, perhaps this is the case with the encounter you recently had in the new area of TV. I'm not making excuses for the owner who should had them on a leash---but when you first move there are many many "things" on your mind.

In a few days, I would try a civil conversation before I would take the next steps. 95% of the time that works.

Large dogs running wild
 

Give me a link. I read it again. Said the same thing as last time I read it.

But just for the record, read my previous posts again. I was discussing laws, not deed restrictions.

It matters because I'd posted that dog owner wasn't being respectful of neighbors.
And that he could be putting the dogs' lives in jeopardy because of traffic.
If there are no neighbors and no night traffic, then those two statements have no relevance.

However dogs should never be let outside to roam, for any reason.
VApeople, I am sincerely sorry that you were scared by these dogs.
No, you shouldn't have to avoid these areas. The owner should be supervising the dogs and have them under his control.

We have previously had members that stated they took their dogs to areas under construction to let them get some exercise.
I'm not saying that is OK. I personally wouldn't let my dogs off leash anywhere but a fenced dogpark.
But it obviously happens in new areas.

Large dogs running wild
 

The Code 4-10 requirement for a dog to be on a leash does not apply to a dog on its owner's property:

"Section 4 – 10 – Dogs and Cats Running at Large – a dog owner has a duty to keep dogs from “running at large” when in or upon any public street, sidewalk, or other public property of another."

From the Official Sumter County Government Website FAQ's:

"What are the leash laws in Sumter County?
County Code 4-10 states that all dogs must be confined on owners property at all times or under direct control or on a leash when off the owners property.

Otherwise a citation will be issued for the animal running free."

And just so there is no misunderstanding of my personal opinion regarding this matter, I believe a dog should be leashed when on public property, or even on private property that the dog's owner does not own. I'm simply against the idea that a well-trained, directly supervised dog should be required to be on a leash on his owner's property. And I don't believe the above Sumter County code requires that.

Start here, find your district, and read. Basically, choose any district, any lot, etc, in The Villages. They all have the same pets on a leash requirement. And yes, you're right, you were discussing laws, but you were the one that said its not in your deed restrictions.

VCDD Deed Compliance - Sumter County