Freedom comes with responsibility, and the only true freedom is when you are exercising your own without violating other people's freedom. If you are given the freedom to have dogs, then it is only natural to be responsible for it and not violate other people's freedom. By letting dogs off leash, you are 1) not taking any responsibility 2) violating other people's freedom to enjoy a safe environment (psychological and physical). I don't think it matters whether your dog is small or big, friendly or aggressive. It's an harassment. Whether or not you had the intention to harass or not, if the other party feels harassed, than it is an harassment.
Unfortunately, I am not sure if calling 911 will resolve the problem, unless it's a life-threatning situation. The underpaid, overworked dispatchers do not dispatch units immediately, they do this on their own judgement based on the short conversation you have over the phone. Though I'm not trying to diminish the issue of dogs-off-leash, they are probably going to give priority over armed assault, robbery, and serious accidents over dogs-off-leash problem. Maybe by the time units arrive, those irresponsible owners are probably off the scene (or had their dog leashed already and there's no evidence).
It never ceases to amaze me how so many people do NOT do such a simple thing, to have a simple respect and properly enjoy their freedom.
I think the owners should be pepper sprayed btw, the dogs really didn't do anything wrong, and shouldn't have to be sprayed. But since that's not really an option, only the poor dogs suffer due to their inconsiderate owners. |