[Piedmonter]

A small (10 lb.) dog was attacked in our neighborhood the other night by an a large pit bull off leash. The small dog was very badly injured and only saved by his owner being willing to wrestle with the pit bull. The covenant restrictions of the Villages clearly do not allow dogs over 40 lbs. I am not necessarily in favor of that since there are many very nice, friendly labs, goldens etc. However, I do think that action should be taken when a larger dog shows itself to be dangerously aggressive. The Villages says that they cannot enforce the covenant. All they can do is send the owner of the pit bull a letter that when the dog passes away not to get another one like it. I am now very nervous when I walk my small dog at night. Perhaps the developer should consider amending the covenants to prohibit specific breeds known to be aggressive. For example, many campgrounds prohibit pit bulls and rotweillers.

[dewilson58]

Originally Posted by Piedmonter

Perhaps the developer should consider amending the covenants to prohibit specific breeds known to be aggressive. For example, many campgrounds prohibit pit bulls and rotweillers.

Prohibitions are unenforceable.

No matter what, owners are responsible for dog actions.

[Gpsma]

CCW carrier would deal with that dog...if not..baseball bat

[Velvet]

Most houses have landscaped rocks, in a pinch. Some dog breeds have been bread to fight other dogs, you can’t hold the dog responsible. It’s the owner who say, “But my dog is soooo friendly”... who should be put in jail.

[vintageogauge]

This is why god created attorneys.

[JohnN]

get some pepper spray - if there's trouble, then spray the dog - and then the dog's owner

[Number 10 GI]

If they know the owner of the aggressive dog they need to contact the appropriate animal control office and report the attack. Most cities/counties have ordinances for this kind of problem. If the small dog required veterinary care they should consult with an attorney about a possible suit for damages. They need to pursue this as it could be a visiting grandchild or an adult that is attacked next.

[Pinball wizard]

You can look up Florida leash laws on Google. Here is one link:

Understanding Florida Leash Laws - Attorneys Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples Florida

[John_W]

Originally Posted by Piedmonter

A small (10 lb.) dog was attacked in our neighborhood the other night by an a large pit bull off leash. The small dog was very badly injured and only saved by his owner being willing to wrestle with the pit bull. The covenant restrictions of the Villages clearly do not allow dogs over 40 lbs. I am not necessarily in favor of that since there are many very nice, friendly labs, goldens etc. However, I do think that action should be taken when a larger dog shows itself to be dangerously aggressive. The Villages says that they cannot enforce the covenant. All they can do is send the owner of the pit bull a letter that when the dog passes away not to get another one like it. I am now very nervous when I walk my small dog at night. Perhaps the developer should consider amending the covenants to prohibit specific breeds known to be aggressive. For example, many campgrounds prohibit pit bulls and rotweillers.

You never included any info about the owner of the dog? Is he or she a neighbor, is the owner known, did anyone talk to the owner, was owner present and aware of the situation? There are leash laws which are not covenants but enforceable laws.

It appears you live in Piedmont, if a human was injured trying to defend their pet, then call the Marion County Sheriff. If there was just an aggressive dog attack against another dog, then call Marion County Animal Control. Get the dog's owner's name and information and present them with the vet bill. If they refuse to pay and the amount is more than $300 take them to small claims court. I would report them to the CDD and have it on record. That's what I would do, forget the covenants.

Animal control and pet laws | Marion County, FL

[Chi-Town]

Have been there except it was a German Shepherd. Asked the owner to keep the dog off my property where my dog was attacked. Owner said no to that request. Called a lawyer friend who said to go to the police station and file a complaint for criminal destruction of personal property. The officer who issued the summons was bitten by the dog. End of story.

[Buzzerbaby]

I have a pit bull, she’s a fantastic dog. Personally, I would not let her off leash in an uncontrolled environment. Btw, I’ve been bitten more often from little dogs like chihuahuas then larger breeds. In fact I’d venture to say that little dogs do bite more then larger dogs, you just don’t hear about it as often because they don’t do the damage that larger breeds can. To ban a certain breed is ludicrous, kind of like banning someone of a different color or ethnicity beacause they supposedly are more (insert whatever reason you want here) then others. Just like people, dogs are products of their environment and owners/parents. Flame away ������

[JSR22]

Originally Posted by Buzzerbaby

I have a pit bull, she’s a fantastic dog. Personally, I would not let her off leash in an uncontrolled environment. Btw, I’ve been bitten more often from little dogs like chihuahuas then larger breeds. In fact I’d venture to say that little dogs do bite more then larger dogs, you just don’t hear about it as often because they don’t do the damage that larger breeds can. To ban a certain breed is ludicrous, kind of like banning someone of a different color or ethnicity beacause they supposedly are more (insert whatever reason you want here) then others. Just like people, dogs are products of their environment and owners/parents. Flame away ������

I 100% agree wity you. The biters in most cases are small dogs. I am totally against prohibiting a dog because of their breed. The enetire Villages does not prohibit dogs over 40 lbs.

[Edjkoz]

Perhaps you’re right but getting bitten by a small dog is not going to have the same consequences as being bitten by a pit bull etc

[New Englander]

Originally Posted by Number 10 GI

If they know the owner of the aggressive dog they need to contact the appropriate animal control office and report the attack. Most cities/counties have ordinances for this kind of problem. If the small dog required veterinary care they should consult with an attorney about a possible suit for damages. They need to pursue this as it could be a visiting grandchild or an adult that is attacked next.

This is exactly what happens sometimes. The owner needs to pay the Vet bill and get that Pit Bull out of TV!

[Velvet]

Originally Posted by Buzzerbaby

I have a pit bull, she’s a fantastic dog. Personally, I would not let her off leash in an uncontrolled environment. Btw, I’ve been bitten more often from little dogs like chihuahuas then larger breeds. In fact I’d venture to say that little dogs do bite more then larger dogs, you just don’t hear about it as often because they don’t do the damage that larger breeds can. To ban a certain breed is ludicrous, kind of like banning someone of a different color or ethnicity beacause they supposedly are more (insert whatever reason you want here) then others. Just like people, dogs are products of their environment and owners/parents. Flame away ������

Yes... but pit bulls if they chose to, can kill. Comparing a big, powerful dog to a small one is like comparing Mohamed Ali to a young child. They can both be friendly.