I've been chased by dogs countless times in Putnam County and bitten
recently.  I don't know what the position is of the Alachua and
Marion County Sheriffs departments, but I have personally heard from
the Putnam County Sheriffs office.  I was told that I "could use any
means necessary to protect myself".  I was a little surprised to hear
this.  I repeated what I had heard, and was told that was correct.

I've been carrying dog repellent when I ride, but it is not as
effective as I had hoped.  I've been told that paintball guns are
quite effective, but who is really going to haul one of those around
on a bike.  Clearly there are other tools one might consider, but the
risks are high.

Needless to say, it's the dog owners who are really responsible.
I've tried talking to 3 or 4 of them where I've had regular
problems.  I've noticed a pattern of denial among such dog owners:
"My dog doesn't bite"  "Really, he's a friendly dog if you get to
know him.", etc. Others insist that it won't happen again, and then
you get chased on the way back home by the same dog.  A teenage girl
riding a bike in Interlachen was recently mauled severely by a dog.
And then the dog was released back to the owner.

I would be curious to hear input from any club members who are
attorneys (without construing it as legal advice). This is a problem
that is difficult to manage without causing additional problems.

Sorry if I got off point too much.

Jim

On Aug 19, 2007, at 3:54 PM, Huan Dinh wrote:

<blockquote style="border-left: #5555EE solid 0.2em; margin: 0em; padding-left: 0.85em">This is to all the cyclists who have any issues with a large(maybe
a german sheppard)dog at a house just south of the county line on
CR 234/329(depending on which county you are in).  So far I was
chased by this dog 3 times in the last 5 rides thru this area, and
I know the majority of us use the same road.  The owner doesn't
seem to care.  I need your help addressing the issue with either or
both the Marion County Sheriff and the Marion County animal control
ASAP.....If this dog keeps coming out and force the group into
oncoming traffics, somebody is going to get hurt.  I for one won't
wait til somebody gets hurt on a bike ride.  This dog is approx 80
lbs for my guess.

Alachua County Sheriff is (352)955-8181
Marion County Sheriff is (352)732-8181

Alachua Co said they will help us if Marion Co doesn't do anything
about it.  Apparently, I don't think they will either.  PLEASE HELP
ME GET THIS RESOLVE IMMEDIATELY....

Huan

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