[Talk Host]

There is a guy who lets his black lab run every morning around the Calumet area without a leash. He lets it run anywhere it wants to go, even up onto the golf course fairways. He just walks along and looks at it. One morning I shook my finger at him in a "naughty, naughty" gesture. He scrunched up his face and jabbed his index finger back toward me in a menacing fashion

I called the deed compliance office this morning. Their response was that I have to follow the guy home and get his address and call them back. I explained that I should not be put in the position of being a detective. I said, that I don't know how this guy would react if I began to follow him. I said I think he could charge me with stalking. The lady I was talking to said that I would have to "follow him in a discreet manner, so he wouldn't see me." I'm afraid I almost laughed in her ear.

I told them that he is out with the dog every day at the same time in the same area, can't the Villages neighborhood watch take care of it. The answer was "NO."

Here are the options as I see them:

He can continue to hold himself above everybody else and be allowed to do it. That's selective enforcement and therefor everybody can do it.

The dog it going to bite somebody.

The dog it going to get run over by a car.

None of the above is particularly appealing.

[JohnN]

Seems there ought to be a way to escalate issues of rules not being enforced.
You have a very valid issue.

[Reggie]

Try calling the Community Watch they may be able to help you.

[Best Mom]

Two guys were breaking into my neighbor's house who are up North. This was the end of May. I quick called neighborhood watch. They did nothing as it was shift change so no one could come for an hour!!!She would not call the police. Time was running out so I put my pug on a lease and went outside where he got to barking and scared them off. I did follow up and that is another long story but I was so scared for so long and the watch is useless!
Add that to my finding out this morning that the Villages cut the position of the exterminator and our pool is full of rats. >

[chelsea24]

Jan, I don't know all the levels to go through, but I certainly wouldn't follow him home yourself. He's already made an angry gesture at you. I would probably call the Village Watch, they were really on the ball with my neighbors problem. And if that didn't work I would call the Sheriff's office directly and ask for advice. They you're at least armed with "When I spoke to the sheriff, etc. . . " if you have to call some of these places back again.

Another thing I might do (but could be a woman thing) is have a friend or two follow him to his house because he'd already spotted my face! I call it a woman thing because most GF's come to each other's aide quicker than men! LOL Now, don't pounce on me guys!

[English Ivy]

I picked up a list of Villages phones numbers to call for variety of different scenarios. It lists the numbers for Animal Control in Sumter, Lake and Marion Counties and indicates they should be called for all pet concerns such as stray dogs, owners not picking up after their dogs, etc. Talk Host, I believe you're in Marion County. That number is 694-0078. I would call them. If anyone is interested in getting this phone number list, I got it at the Villages Customer Service Office on Wedgewood.

Mcelheny, why didn't you call 911 if you saw someone breaking into your neighbor's home?

[samhass]

Your pool is full of rats? Are they swimming in the pool? IS it your personal pool or a community pool? If it's a community pool I can't believe no one else has reported this.

As for the break in, that is a criminal act and the Sheriffs Dept should have been called immediately. I wouldn't risk harm to myself or my animal over a suspected robbery. If they are armed, you and your pug could both be shot to death.

Originally Posted by mcelheny

Two guys were breaking into my neighbor's house who are up North. This was the end of May. I quick called neighborhood watch. They did nothing as it was shift change so no one could come for an hour!!!She would not call the police. Time was running out so I put my pug on a lease and went outside where he got to barking and scared them off. I did follow up and that is another long story but I was so scared for so long and the watch is useless!
Add that to my finding out this morning that the Villages cut the position of the exterminator and our pool is full of rats. >

[Best Mom]

i did call 911. Others have reported and they have set out bait. Not in pool ...around the pool and this public pool had never had rats before this year gotta go

[Talk Host]

It sure didn't take long for this thread to be hijacked. ???

[handieman]

I'm no detective Jan however I might approach this problem with this idea. Take some pictures of the dog running free and try to include the lack of proximity of the man to the dog. Take the pictures to the next meeting of (help me here) deed compliance directors?? Maybe the the local Village elders. Whatever their called, back home we called them Code Enforcement Officers. If this doesn't bring results then go to the next higher level. Noncompliance with deed restrictions and covenants can only lead to a breakdown of the very structure we love about the Villages. I'm very patient with non compliance type of people till it effects me directly then the hair raises on the back of my neck. Don't let this slide Jan and good luck

Handie :joke:

[Muncle]

Originally Posted by mcelheny

i did call 911. Others have reported and they have set out bait. Not in pool ...around the pool and this public pool had never had rats before this year gotta go

Sorry to continue with the hijacking, but did they set out the bait for the rats or the burglars? I know it works for both, but just curious.

[JohnN]

handie, I agree it should be escalated, but it's just shameful one has to do that.
It means people aren't doing their jobs and don't care. Now Jan is having to put forth some extra time and effort (and expense too) in doing all this stuff when his phone call should have been sufficient.

I'm displeased with the dog guy - and the enforcement folks.

[barb1191]

Has anyone ever thought of contacting the organization that is a great advocate for the peeps in TV, as well as exposing these issues? Yes, the POA!! If you want someone to support your issues and stand by you until resolve, can't think of a better partner than the POA.

Some say they gripe and whine too much, however, they make themselves heard and do something about it. They are there to support YOU in whatever the cause. They are action oriented, and, similar to TOTV, are non-existent to the developer.

barb

[Peggy D]

Jan,

What about calling the SPCA? Is there one close to TV?

I know they would be interested in a dog running loose.

[Talk Host]