Loose dog advice?

Question

My neighbor has a black lab that they do not control. The dog is
often left outside unattended and often runs after me and my small
children on our own property and into our garage. The neighbor has
not done anything to prevent this from happening even though we have
complained several times.
I need suggestions on what I can do to stop this from happening.
Would using pepper spray on a dog deter the dog from coming back? Is
this safe / legal? What else could I use to deter the dog from chasing
us on our own property?
What agencies can help me? What are the local laws?

We live in Bucks county, Pennsylvania.
Thanks

Answer 1

This is what your taxes are going for:
If the dog is running loose, call the Humane Society and have it picked up.
If the animal seriously threatens you or your children, especially if it attempts to bite, call the police, and,if they take more than five minutes to arrive, shoot it and kill it. DO NOT resort to pepper spray, as in many locales(and probably yours) this will get YOU cited for animal cruelty and you wind up in more BS than the owner, who should have been cited for non-control and neglect before this.

Answer 2

A dog running loose is definitely a problem, and you do have the law
on your side. While the dog is a nuisance, remember it is the owner
who is at fault, not the dog. It is the owner’s responsibility to
control his/her pet, both for your safety and the safety of the dog.
If the neighbor has not responded to civil neighborly requests, a call
to the authorities phone numbers. Repellants such as pepper
spray should be used as a last resort, or for safety purposes.


Both Bucks County and the State of Pennsylvania have laws that cover
loose dogs.

Answer 3

Any dog running at large is a danger. Animal Control, City or County Sheriff's Dept. should be able to help you.

If not, which really stinks, but at least it's on record, and if they call the law on you for pepper spraying their dog, it's already on record that he's gone after you and/or your children.

Answer 4

2 things..

Call the authorities... let them deal with the issue of him leaving the animal at large.

As for pepper spray... there are two chemicals that are used as defensive sprays CS and OC (tear gas and oleoresin capsicum red pepper). Dogs will not respond to the OC but will respond to CS. You would be within your rights to use a defensive spray, and they sell some specifically for dogs (as your mail carrier or meter reader they will have some for sure). When you're purchasing it, however, realize that any OC will be a waste go for a good spray with a high CS concentration.

Answer 5

Call animal control immeadiately. Even a gentle breed can be dangerous when left to fend for itself like this. There are no municipalities that I know off that allow off leash, unfenced dogs.

In the meantime, carry a water spray bottle outside with you filled ice water. When the dog approaches, squirt him.

Answer 6

Call your local animal control. The owners will have to pay $$ to get thier dog back every time it gets picked up, and many places won't release it back until they have proof of shots and neutering.

Answer 7

Call your local police department. That is illegal, you should not have to leave in fear because your irresponsible neighbor doesnt want to take care of their dogs. Call your Police Department Immeditly!

Answer 8

you can ask the neighbors to put up an electronic fence. or call the neighborhood board and tell them about them not watching their dog. to get him to leave your house alone than you could use loud noises, water with lemon spray, or a broom.

Answer 9

get some spray or be ready to terminate the dog altogether. your childs safety comes first