Originally Posted by
bassplyr
While I carry pepper spray and am occasionally chased by some aggressive dogs in the rural areas in which I ride, I have never used it. I am not comfortable taking my hand off the handlebars to get at the spray then try and use it. I have had pretty good luck with the sheriffs department responding to dog owners that let their animals run loose. Most dogs that I have encountered respond to a loud "no." I have always felt like it is the owner that needs to be sprayed instead of the dog.
Good point and I agree completely. I cases like this, It's best to ride like heck and get out of there. Get to a safe distance and immediately call the police and tell them you need a unit on site to take a report. Tell them it is not the first time. Do this as soon as you are safely away from the animal. When the cop gets there, he will go to the home of the owner. Then he will see the dog (hopefully he won't be attacked...)
You have to insist that the officer take a report to protect you in case of an accident that creates a time loss for you. It's good to have documented reports to back up your claims should you be hurt. This is a right you have as a citizen, and the police should have no problem doing this. Playing the legal angle is the only way to get animal owners to abide by the leash laws.
Where I live, we have some pretty tight laws regarding animals on the loose. Three formal complaints and the owner is on their way to court.