What do you think of dogs running loose in your neighborhood?

[Tere2]

One of my cats got killed by dogs running loose back in 05 after Rita. I wanted to kill them, too. I know that sounds bad but I was very upset and didn't know who the owner was. There was a lot of broken fences in the neighborhood and I guess that's how they got loose. I was glad my little dogs were inside when they popped up.

[LAkathi]

 I really hate when I see dogs running loose.  However, it is not the dog's fault, it is the owners responsability  to take care of their dogs. That means keeping them under control and contained on their property.  I just feel so bad for the dogs that I see running loose. There are so many threats to these dogs, and they cannot overcome them,all, unless they are lucky.

[b1pearl]

I love animals but I don't trust them,because you never know where they came from, as far as a abusive home or if they were confined or not. I believe people should keep up with their pets, which keeps the owner,the pet, and strangers safe.

[vickysue]

Out in the rural areas people just dump them out. A shame, then they run wild. Attack the animal and can do great damage to farm animals. Also can become rabid it bit by some wild animals. I know, when i was a child one chased me and i was stuck up on top  of an rickety chicken coop. Thing God the neighbor heard me and shot it. Please, please keep your dogs at home.

[ptfunds]

I, too, take issue with owners that allow their dogs to run loose.  I have had dogs come on my property and attack my dog. When dogs run together they revert to a pack mentality and can take down even a large dog (mine was 125lb). Anyone who allows their dog or dogs out purposely to run is not a good or responsible owner to their pet or a good citizen of the neighborhood. I worry about what will happen to the dog(s) if they are turned in to the animal control, but also know that the safety of human beings and other pets ultimately has to win out in the decision.

[sarasurvey2]

We live in a smaller neighborhood and many people let their dogs go free and this is so annoying. The one dog down the street is always loose, the owners hardly ever take it in. I feel bad for the dog, because it is usually outside in the winter when it is cold.

The thing that annoys me is the dog usually runs into the street and barks at every car that goes by. In the winter time I have had to slam on my breaks and slid on the ice numerous times to try and avoid hitting the dog. That was almost worse, because it was scary to slide on the ice (our street is all downhill in the mountains).

I think if you do not love your dog enough to let it be safe from cars, not harm other animals, you should not be a pet owner.

[SherylsShado]

Dogs should not be running loose in any neighborhood, it's dangerous for them.  I know people that have poisioned dogs that were always running loose into their yards, friendly dogs will get picked up and used as bait for dog-fighting, dogs get hit by cars, I know of people stealing dogs (dogs running loose, dogs sitting in cars with windows left way down, and they've stolen dogs from fenced-in yards by grabbing them over the top) and they sell them (especially now that times are tough for many) to labs for experimentations.  I've known people to shoot/kill dogs running loose on their property.  I even knew a neighborhood that had a person of a certain-unnamed nationality that would take his van and go around the neighborhood taking dogs running loose...he called it "grocery shopping"...he had various size "stands" in his backyard for different size breeds and a "pit" for cooking dog meat, he said doberman tasted the best.   LEASHES, SPAY & NEUTER.  There are no bad dogs...just bad owners.

[clickers]

Dogs should not be running loose. They are bound to get hurt. I have a friend whose dogs was hit by a car and seriously injured.

[Arthur4]

I as well hate it when they just let their dogs run lose. I have kids that want to go outside and play but sometimes scared to let them.It's not fair to the kids.Just saying

[vickysue]

I don't like too see them running loose, they can attack a person or small child. poop on your lawn and tear up things. On the other hand i hate to see a dog on a chain. If a person doesn't have a big fenced in yard for a large dog, they shouldn't have a dog . I have seen so many pets laying on the road because they were let run loose and were hit by cars.  Also living on a farm i have seen packs of dogs chasing the cattle and killing the calves ,  can understand when the farmers and ranchers shoot them.

[bearjake]

About 20 years ago we did not think twice about letting our dog out. He was in and out all day. I see now how wrong it is. Their is no one to clean up after them and you do not know if they are going to sence the fear in some one and bite.

[mzzsarah12]

I had my car broken into one time, my back side window was broken and it started to do one of those famous Florida pour downs. I ran out to try and tape up the window and as I did this all three of my dogs ran out. A Rotti, a Jack Russ and one they now call a "designer breeds". Now I'm not saying that sometimes people dont just let there dogs run lose but accidents do happen and a lot of dogs are escape artist. So keep your head up and know your doing the right thing. To the people who just let there dogs run not from accident. I had three dogs. The jack and the designer made it back the Rotti didn't and if you truly love your dog you will stop letting them run free. That day I felt like my daughter had died and still do that was about 3 years ago. Hard lesson to learn.

[superteacher]

I hate it! Letting dogs run free is always a big problem to me. I know a lot of stories about dogs  attacking  persons walking by, even though it was on a small leash.  I always cross my fingers if I push the baby out walking in nice days.

[sarabtrayior]

I live in the country and most folks let their dogs run free, the dogs are bored staying in the house with me all day, so I let them out for a run and they come right back...

[fc2]

I live in the country and most folks let their dogs run free, the dogs are bored staying in the house with me all day, so I let them out for a run and they come right back...

No pun nor disrespect to your posted reply, but your dogs are more than likely leaving their feces on public property and others neighbors' lawns, and you don't have to clean it up I'm supposing. Thats a bit disturbing and shows a lack of care on your end for your dogs I don't wanna be stepping in doggy doo on public property and my neighbors lawns on my walks and invites from neighbors onto their property and dragging it into my car and into my home or just having to clean it off of my shoes because the dog owner didn't clean up after their canine's mess outside. This ought not have to happen and one ought not have to pay attention to filth like this in society. God bless you.