[hillyridge]

I am a dog and cat owner and love my pets. Several times a day I walk my small (l6 pound) leashed dog through the neighborhood. I always carry a pick up bag for droppings. I have a neighbor who lets his dog loose in his yard and when I walk by (opposite side of street) the dog attacks my small dog. I have confronted this person several times and he continues to completely ignore the leash requirement. Several other neighbors have experienced the same thing walking their dog by his house. I even reported this person to the sherriff's department and they told me the owner is old and not well. What should I do?

[memason]

Surely, you could walk a different route and avoid the house....no ??

Oh, By the way.... Welcome to TOTV. Nice first post ????

[Uptown Girl]

For the safety, I'd walk my dog elsewhere.

[KathieI]

Agree with Memason, can you find another route? But you say you've talked to the owner and he ignores you? Does he look very ill to you? If so, maybe you could offer him some help in how to constrain his pet with suggestions, i.e. invisible fencing, long lead tied to the house??? Just a thought.

[bkcunningham1]

Originally Posted by hillyridge

I am a dog and cat owner and love my pets. Several times a day I walk my small (l6 pound) leashed dog through the neighborhood. I always carry a pick up bag for droppings. I have a neighbor who lets his dog loose in his yard and when I walk by (opposite side of street) the dog attacks my small dog. I have confronted this person several times and he continues to completely ignore the leash requirement. Several other neighbors have experienced the same thing walking their dog by his house. I even reported this person to the sherriff's department and they told me the owner is old and not well. What should I do?

I have no idea where you live, but if there are lease laws in your area, contact animal control.

[KayakerNC]

Pepper Spray.

[Phanatic Luvr]

What street does this animal live on. I have a pet sitting service and would really like to know.

[cathyw]

Originally Posted by hillyridge

I am a dog and cat owner and love my pets. Several times a day I walk my small (l6 pound) leashed dog through the neighborhood. I always carry a pick up bag for droppings. I have a neighbor who lets his dog loose in his yard and when I walk by (opposite side of street) the dog attacks my small dog. I have confronted this person several times and he continues to completely ignore the leash requirement. Several other neighbors have experienced the same thing walking their dog by his house. I even reported this person to the sherriff's department and they told me the owner is old and not well. What should I do?

Since the sherriff's department told you that he owner is not well, I'd be more concerned about the owner and his dog. Did his dog actually go into the street...you said you were walking on the opposite side. If so, I would talk to the owner and show concern about his dog being hit by a car or cart. If his dog didn't leave his yard...perhaps he has an invisible fence. The owner may be too ill and may not be able to walk his dog anymore...maybe just can't find his leash or cant get to the store to buy a new one. Perhaps if you or one of your neighbors stop and talk to him (preferrably when you are not walking your dog)
you would be able to determine if you can help him in any way.
The flip side, of course, is that he is a nasty neighbor and just doesn't care.
I'm betting on the first senario. Please let us know if this gets resolved. Thanks.

[hillyridge]

It would be nice to walk a different route but I live on a cup-de-sac and no option but to walk by his house. Owner is well enough to reply to me that I am the one with the problem and his dog has right to be free which I have no problem if dog stayed in his yard. Dog runs across street and I have to walk on opposite side of street in yard. I am not upset with the dog. It is the owner that bothers me. I wouldn't harm the dog.

[Bonnevie]

I realize you shouldn't have to alter your course for someone not following the rules....(and I'm not in TV yet) but where I currently live I had a dog attack both my small dogs and if the UPS man hadn't helped they'd both be more seriously hurt or dead. Needless to say, I have never again walked down that street despite assurances from the owners that they would make sure it didn't happen again.

[Bonnevie]

just saw your cul de sac posting. yep, that makes it difficult. I hate to suggest calling animal control, but sometimes you have to.

[Taltarzac725]

You could try a Villages or local dog park if you are close to one. Or, golf cart ride your pooch to another neighborhood. There are dog parks in the Villages at Mulberry (Springdale Fitness Trail); off of Buena Vista and Bonita near the Bonita Fire Station; and near Paradise Lake on the east side of 27/441 near the bridge. There is also a municipal dog park in Lady Lake off of Rolling Acres near the golf driving range next to the softball diamond. And a private dog park near the intersection of CR104 and CR101--Doggie Doo Run Run.

[paulandjean]

Myself I would carry a big stick,If he got close lookout. Couple years back here,I guy would walk his dog at night with a long long leash. Came out of garage at night,the dog was right there a big dog.I kicked that dog so hard he was yulping back to owner. He was mad,but not as mad as me. never had a problem with that again.

[RCR]

I would obtain a permit to carry a weapon, then holster it on my hip facing his side of the street and then loudly proclaim those immortal words "GO AHEAD MAKE MY DAY!!"

[graciegirl]

Sometimes if what we have done doesn't work, then we have to do something else. I am not siding with this person who is clearly in the wrong but I wouldn't let it get me all upset. I would put puppy in the car and drive to another neighborhood. Park at a mail drop and walk.

I feel bad for you and the inconvenience of it and I sense that you have tried to communicate with this person and so have others. Sometimes people just do things for power.

It is a shame that they use animals and even kids sometimes to throw their weight around.

Ignore it and go somewhere else and enjoy the blue skies and sunshine and the companionship of your furry friend.

I hope it helps that we understand.