Need Help - What to do about people who will not leash their dog?

[Gladys Turnip]

My spouse & I often walk under the power lines (between Marsh Bend and DeLuna) and quite often there are people there with their dogs and the dogs are NOT on a leash. Last week one of these dogs charged at us and jumped on us; almost knocked us over, and got muddy paw prints all over our shirts and pants. (Even though I'm pretty sure what happened last week is an assault, we don't mind letting it go, but would like to know how do deal with it, or better yet stop it, in the future.)

So, my question is: What do we do about this? What CAN we do about this? Who do we report this to? How do we make it stop? Or how should we react when it happens next time? Looking for practical suggestions and advice. Thanks!

ps. Below are a few cut & paste comments from another TOTV post this morning on a similar, but different topic that you might find helpful:

From Blueblaze: “I'm walking my dog through the big open space under the high wires, next to the Mulberry dog park, way up North. This is the only area big enough that people routinely let their dog run off their leash, and my dog likes to find a stick for me to throw. Yes, it's technically illegal.”

From Taltarzac725: “…people with big dogs running around near the towers is a common sight.”

From Switter: “I go up and down the path through the area you're talking about on my bike. I've had a multiple incidents where people were letting their dogs run loose on or very near the cart path. The problem with this is animals are unpredictable and they may just decide to run directly in front of you.”

From USOTR: “Security needs to enforce The Villages rules and regs. Both walking a dog off leash and golfing in a non-golfing area. If rules and regs where enforced, this incident would of never happen.”
Question to USOTR: What security? And enforced by whom, and how? Please provide specifics.

[justjim]

There are some situations where dog owners have taken over property to let their dogs run and there is little you can do except to walk somewhere else. Life is too short to take on a losing battle. Let me put it another way. There are very few places where dog owners can let their dogs run but lots of places for us to walk. It’s called by some “taking the high road”.

[Two Bills]

Hit golf balls at the errant dogs and owners!:icon_wink:

[CFrance]

There are some situations where dog owners have taken over property to let their dogs run and there is little you can do except to walk somewhere else. Life is too short to take on a losing battle. Let me put it another way. There are very few places where dog owners can let their dogs run but lots of places for us to walk. It’s called by some “taking the high road”.
This is a friendly solution, and I might add that the dog parks provided by The Villages are small, with little shade or seating provided. Conversely, there are so. many. places to walk in The Villages.

People have been taking their dogs to open spaces away from traffic since time immemorial. I personally would walk somewhere else.

If the area is on TV-owned property, maybe deed compliance would look at the issue. But if there are power lines, it's likely not TV property, and the power company would have to address it, although I doubt they would.

[fdpaq0580]

There are some situations where dog owners have taken over property to let their dogs run and there is little you can do except to walk somewhere else. Life is too short to take on a losing battle. Let me put it another way. There are very few places where dog owners can let their dogs run but lots of places for us to walk. It’s called by some “taking the high road”.

What makes you think it's a losing battle? Like squatters on property they don't have any right to, they can and should be charged. As to having very few places for dogs to run, that sounds like the dog owners problem. They weren't thinking when the moved here or got their dog. Don't push the responsibility on others.
And, I don't think "taking the high road" is a euphemism for allowing self entitled bullies making you tuck your tail between your legs and run away.
Too many people try and justify or excuse bad behavior.
Jmho.

[golfing eagles]

Under the power lines? It is land either owned by the utility company or an easement exclusively given to them. If someone is playing with his dog or YOU are walking there, it is TRESPASSING

[JohnN]

pepper spray, for either the owners or the dogs, but only in an emergency

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Yeah that area isn't Villages property. You and the dog owners are all trespassing. You breaks the law, you takes your chances.

[fdpaq0580]

[QUOTE=Gladys Turnip;2407619] Last week one of these dogs charged at us and jumped on us; almost knocked us over, and got muddy paw prints all over our shirts and pants.
So, my question is: What do we do about this? What CAN we do about this? Who do we report this to? How do we make it stop? Or how should we react when it happens next time? Looking for practical suggestions and advice. Thanks!

Suggestions:
1. Keep away from areas that are not likely public recreation areas. Like under power lines, industrial areas, and construction areas. Potentially dangerous even sans dogs.
2. Keep your phone handy. Document any aggressive activities and do not hesitate to call 911 to report any incident. Once recorded complaint against dog/owner becomes evidence for future. Rap sheet.
3. Remember, "I'm sorry" doesn't mend broken bones, clean and stitch wounds, medical or emotional. The damage is done.

Reports, police involvement and prosecutions will help.

[MrFlorida]

Carry dog spray, like the postal workers do...

[Bill14564]

Is that the area with the walking/biking trail? If it is then trespassing (by both of you) is not a consideration.

You describe muddy paw prints and not bites so it doesn't sound as though you were attacked by the dog.

If I was the owner I would be terribly embarrassed that my dog ran up to you like that.

You could carry a walking stick use to keep any dog away in the future. Though if you regularly walk there and you regularly see dogs off leash but this was the first time there was an incident then there might be any incidents in the future.

If the dog is off leash on public property then that is a violation of the Sumter County code. You could make a report to the police.

You could just let it go as an incident that has not happened in the past and likely won't happen again.

[BrianL99]

What makes you think it's a losing battle? Like squatters on property they don't have any right to, they can and should be charged. As to having very few places for dogs to run, that sounds like the dog owners problem. They weren't thinking when the moved here or got their dog. Don't push the responsibility on others.
And, I don't think "taking the high road" is a euphemism for allowing self entitled bullies making you tuck your tail between your legs and run away.
Too many people try and justify or excuse bad behavior.
Jmho.


Nice post.

[Snakster66]

Hit golf balls at the errant dogs and owners!:icon_wink:

You win the internet today.

[Dotneko]

Squirt gun with salty water. It will sting.

[BrianL99]

My spouse & I often walk under the power lines (between Marsh Bend and DeLuna) and quite often there are people there with their dogs and the dogs are NOT on a leash. Last week one of these dogs charged at us and jumped on us; almost knocked us over, and got muddy paw prints all over our shirts and pants. (Even though I'm pretty sure what happened last week is an assault, we don't mind letting it go, but would like to know how do deal with it, or better yet stop it, in the future.)

So, my question is: What do we do about this? What CAN we do about this? Who do we report this to? How do we make it stop? Or how should we react when it happens next time? Looking for practical suggestions and advice. Thanks!

.

The "Leash Law" in The Villages, is essentially 2 pronged. The Villages has a prohibition the requires a dog to be leashed, on TV property. The County has an ordinance, about dogs being always leashed.

GolfingEagles mention the "utility easement", which may or may not prohibit the right to "pass and re-pass" over and through and it may specify who has those rights. Without seeing the specific language of the Easement, it's impossible to know.

In others words, you're sort of in a "no man's land". If it was PUBLIC property, it would be subject to County or Local Ordinances (which very from locality to locality, but essentially prohibit dogs/animals from roaming about unleashe).

If it was Villages Property .... a parking lot or such, TV is in control and the enforcing authority.

If it was a dog coming into your hard, you'd be back with at the County/Local level.

On the Easement, the owner has the right to allow or disallow, whatever they wish to allow or prohibit (within reason).

I have a dog. He's at one of TV's Dog Parks, every single day. If I walked somewhere and an unleashed dog came anywhere near me, with a wagging tail, I would pet the dog and tell the owner he needs to keep his pet on a leash, as required. If a dog came at me and looking even marginally aggressive, I'd shoot with with whatever I had available. There's no excuse for a dog owner to have his pet, unleashed, unless it's confined to his own property. JMOYMMV.

[fdpaq0580]

You describe muddy paw prints and not bites so it doesn't sound as though you were attacked by the dog.


Folks perhaps not familiar with dog behavior or with fear or distrust of dogs may not be able to tell the difference from an aggressive dog or an excited, playful dog.
Also, assault occurs when one believes (per instructions to the jury on an assult case) that one is under threat of harm. So, they may not have been "attacked", per your point of view, but they were, beyond a doubt, assaulted and had a good case with evidence had they chose to pursue that course.

[Bill14564]

Folks perhaps not familiar with dog behavior or with fear or distrust of dogs may not be able to tell the difference from an aggressive dog or an excited, playful dog.
Also, assault occurs when one believes (per instructions to the jury on an assult case) that one is under threat of harm. So, they may not have been "attacked", per your point of view, but they were, beyond a doubt, assaulted and had a good case with evidence had they chose to pursue that course.

Yeah, okay, let us know how that works out for your clients.

[Rainger99]

The Sumter County Animal Control Ordinance.

Municode Library (https://library.municode.com/FL/sumter_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COCO_CH4ANCO)

[Rainger99]

Yeah that area isn't Villages property. You and the dog owners are all trespassing. You breaks the law, you takes your chances.

I just checked out the powerlines that run along De La Vista Executive golf course. If you go to the County Appraisers website, the land on which the power lines are erected is owned by Village Center Community Development District 1. The course is owned by Village Center Community Development District.

I believe that the power lines have an easement that allows them to run their lines through the Villages property.

Just a moment... (https://qpublic.schneidercorp.com/Application.aspx?AppID=1207&LayerID=36374&PageTypeID=1&PageID=14048&Q=1388701990&KeyValue=K01C035)

[fdpaq0580]

Yeah, okay, let us know how that works out for your clients.

Glad to let you know.
First, I have studied law, but I am not an attorney. No clients.
Second, I was on a jury for an assault case where one person thought they were threatened by another individual. The judge on this case instructed the jury that actual contact is not required for one to be guilty of assault. Only that the victim perceived some kind of possible threat. Basically, bullying, in any form, amounts to assault.
The jury found the defendant guilty of assault in the second degree, as I recall. There was time served and fines.
Be careful of your actions.
So, yeah.

[Altavia]

The Sumter County Animal Control Ordinance.

Municode Library (https://library.municode.com/FL/sumter_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COCO_CH4ANCO)

Direct control shall mean immediate and continuous physical control of an animal at all times such as by means of a fence, leash, cord, or chain of sufficient strength to restrain the animal; or in the case of specifically trained working, agricultural or hunting animals which immediately respond to such commands, while working; direct control shall also include aural or oral control, if the controlling person is at all times clearly and fully within the unobstructed sight and hearing of the animal.

[Dusty_Star]

My practical & good advice would be to find somewhere else to walk. There are many great walking paths available in the Villages. You will probably find somewhere that you enjoy more.

[Velvet]

My practical & good advice would be to find somewhere else to walk. There are many great walking paths available in the Villages. You will probably find somewhere that you enjoy more.

Hmmm, I don’t think so. If this is their regular walk they should not have to flee from their spot because of a dog. From what I noticed, it isn’t dogs that are buying property and paying taxes in TV. And while TV is promoted as a dog friendly place (rightly, in my opinion) it should also be promoted that it is a people friendly place as well. We can’t count on individual owners, some are exemplary, others are close the opposite or perhaps demented, so enforcement is required.

[asianthree]

My practical & good advice would be to find somewhere else to walk. There are many great walking paths available in the Villages. You will probably find somewhere that you enjoy more.

The areas in question have walking paths and mmp paths. Then again if an unleash dog jumps on a human causes human to fall, hit their head, causing a fracture or worse a brain bleed, that would be ok, after all dog was just being friendly.

[Bogie Shooter]

the "leash law" in the villages, is essentially 2 pronged. The villages has a prohibition the requires a dog to be leashed, on tv property. The county has an ordinance, about dogs being always leashed.

Golfingeagles mention the "utility easement", which may or may not prohibit the right to "pass and re-pass" over and through and it may specify who has those rights. Without seeing the specific language of the easement, it's impossible to know.

In others words, you're sort of in a "no man's land". If it was public property, it would be subject to county or local ordinances (which very from locality to locality, but essentially prohibit dogs/animals from roaming about unleashe).

If it was villages property .... A parking lot or such, tv is in control and the enforcing authority.

If it was a dog coming into your hard, you'd be back with at the county/local level.

On the easement, the owner has the right to allow or disallow, whatever they wish to allow or prohibit (within reason).

I have a dog. He's at one of tv's dog parks, every single day. If i walked somewhere and an unleashed dog came anywhere near me, with a wagging tail, i would pet the dog and tell the owner he needs to keep his pet on a leash, as required. If a dog came at me and looking even marginally aggressive, i'd shoot with with whatever i had available. There's no excuse for a dog owner to have his pet, unleashed, unless it's confined to his own property. Jmoymmv.

shoot him?

[fdpaq0580]

shoot him?

The dog or the owner? 😲😱😖

[fdpaq0580]

The areas in question have walking paths and mmp paths. Then again if an unleash dog jumps on a human causes human to fall, hit their head, causing a fracture or worse a brain bleed, that would be ok, after all dog was just being friendly.

You're good at this! 😃😄😉

[asianthree]

You're good at this! 😃😄😉

After years of seeing elder fractures and brain bleeds, from falls couple of incidents are pretty common. Fall in the tub or shower, fall on stairs, trip or pushed by a pet, either their own or someone else’s.

One can find pets will be surrendered by the elderly for reason of health, enter assisted living, or trip and fall, causing fractures, head injuries, or worse. Not only are they devastated by the lost of their pet, recovery is long and painful.

[Jim 9922]

Carry a squirt gun loaded with vinegar or ammonia. I do when biking thru neighborhoods. Over the years I have had to use mine a couple of times against dogs aggressively running off their owner's yards. It sent them packing every time.

[BrianL99]

The dog or the owner? 😲😱😖

The dog.

Have you ever seen a child (or adult), mauled by a dog? it's not a pretty sight.

Florida "Stand Your Ground Law" applies to attacks by animals. You have no obligation to do anything, other use whatever force you reasonably think is necessary to defend yourself.

Stand Your Ground law applies to animals too, Florida court rules – NBC 6 South Florida (https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/court-says-stand-your-ground-applies-to-animals-too-in-florida-dog-shooting-case/3447865/)

[BrianL99]

Carry a squirt gun loaded with vinegar or ammonia. I do when biking thru neighborhoods. Over the years I have had to use mine a couple of times against dogs aggressively running off their owner's yards. It sent them packing every time.

If you lived in a neighborhood, where you had to carry a weapon to defend yourself from the creeps in the neighborhood, people would be demanding the Police do something about it, because people should feel safe walking the streets. That is one of the primary functions of government ... safety of the populace.


But it's ok if folks think they need to carry a weapon, to protect themselves against attack by someone's animal? That's not a failure of government? It's ok that folks needed to be armed, so they feel safe?

[fdpaq0580]

Carry a squirt gun loaded with vinegar or ammonia. I do when biking thru neighborhoods. Over the years I have had to use mine a couple of times against dogs aggressively running off their owner's yards. It sent them packing every time.

WOW! Thanx for the heads up. I was planning to chase you tomorrow. Now it looks like I'll be washing windows instead. Enjoy your ride.
Oh, don't forget to come to a full stop at stop signs, use proper hand signals to indicate turns and ride single file. That's a good boy!