Why is there even a debate? Pepper spray is such darn good stuff one should always have that handy. I've seen it used on people several times, even gotten it on me after wrestling with said people and it burns through skin (the good stuff at least). So even if one doesn't carry it against animals one should carry it against people. Great stuff for escape purposes.

If I could I'd carry pepper spray while touring. But I live and tour in Europe so I legally can't. I'm probably going to anyway and I'll supplement that with a telescopic baton (also seen that used against people, good stuff)