Unleashed dogs everywhere... What the heck?

[Willyjaybob]

Dogs everywhere:

1) Three weeks ago, while riding in the Fort there was a shirtless fellow jogging with an UNLEASHED Pit Bull (not the rapper either, which may have been worse actually).

2) Two weeks ago, while Fort riding I was chased by an UNLEASHED full sized Doberman...the lady said, "He's nice!" Those words didn't push the fear down though as this devil dog was chasing me as I entered the flow section of LC and had to dismount and yell at the dog to get it to stop chasing me.

3) This weekend, at SWW, I again came up on two fellows with...you guessed it...another UNLEASHED Pit Bull.

In all of these cases, I slowed to a stop and waved them by and/or nicely indicated they should leash their dogs because a) it's the law and b) their dog could be injured. Still, this is incredibly irresponsible and I'm not sure what to do about it or if anything can be done.

Has anyone else noticed this trend lately more than normal? Regardless, it's just a matter of time before something goes VERY wrong. The DNR needs to step up their game on this issue. Can we request more awareness directed towards this as people enter the parks with their dogs? Simply a "please keep your pet leashed" from the gate attendant could be a start.


Thoughts?

[LazyBeerNutz]

A couple of weeks ago, I was on SC near the parking lot where there is the climb in the open then you enter the trees.  As I came through the first trees, I had my encounter with a walker with two little yappy dogs running all over the place.  I almost ran over the first one.  I did stop and mention to her that her dogs need to be leashed as DNR will fine her if she's caught.  Her response was, "Well I can afford the fine, so whatever."

I agree that something needs to be done about unleashed dogs on the trails.  I don't blame the dog, and I understand the desire to take your dog with you while getting some outdoors time in, so can we just run over the owners? (I'm joking in case someone doesn't have a sense of humor)

[Fett]

Carry a leash with you and escort the dog to the park office and advise the owner they can pick the dog up there and pay the fine.

If they protest, advise that, without a leash, how do we know they are the owner?

(In reality, probably not a good idea, but fun to propose)

[Willyjaybob]

I actually was able to report this to the the ladies working the gate last night. They were upset that this had happened. Took my story, name & phone, etc. Hopefully it will get passed up the chain!

Bear spray....yeah, actually I do carry that in my pack... 

[Doogels]

As well as letting the animals crap directly on the trail! I mean at least scrap it off the trail! Who does this kind of thing?! I love the smell of fresh dog crap mommy leg and bike after I'm dine riding! Come on people!

[David Kuehnen]

Of you see people with an unleashed dog, please politely ask them to follow the leash rule. 

I almost ran over a sweet little dog today that had run 50 feet ahead of it's owner.  I like most dogs more that most people and I let the owner know my displeasure at almost running over his pup due to his negligence. 

[SurlyWill]

Leashed dogs are a far bigger issue then ones off leash.  But yeah, if you have a pooch ... you need to be aware.