Who was in the right?

Question

I took my dogs for a walk last week. One is a pure breed show dog. He is intact for breeding purposes. My dogs were on leash. He was peeing on a fence, when I was getting the other dog to the side of the road, as a car was coming. I turned to look at the other and he was mounted on an unleashed female. Long story short I was unable to get him off of her before they consumated the act. The lady who owns the dog freaked out. She started yelling so that all the neighbors came out. She claims I have no right walking my dog if he is intact. (She also claims that pit bulls will attack me if I walk him-- I believe she is a sick lady). I believe she was in the wrong for letting an intact female roam loose. Who is in the wrong here?

For clarification:

My dog is a Canaan dog, not a pit bull. This is why I think she's a bit crazy. She has several dogs that apparently roam the neighborhood. I had seen them around, but thought they were stray animals.

I keep very close watch on my dogs. My dogs are trained to sit on the edge of the road when a car comes. I was ensuring that this was happening. When I turned to my Canaan dog 2 seconds later he was on top of her. I understand things can happen in a blink of an eye and this did.

My point is that since she was off leash she would have followed us wherever went and this still could have happened. Even with my eyes locked on him at the very second. That drive is very strong!

Answer 1

I cannot believe the amount of answers that believe you were at fault in any way. Her female was off leash the fault is completely hers.

on a side-note pitbull is not a breed but a type of dog that includes many breeds and yours does resemble the type. IMO many people would make this mistake, of course this lady sounds certifiable. You have the right to walk your dog whenever and wherever you like without being accosted by unleashed animals.

Answer 2

There is more to a leash law than merely having a leash attached to a dog. You are required to have your dog under control, as well. She is also wrong for not having her dog on a leash, and therefore, also not under control.

But there are some other issues. You should recognize that she was frightened and reacted accordingly. While you may not like it, and it may not be fair, Pitbulls have a reputation for being vicious. If you want to walk your dog, you'll need to expect that people will react to what they have heard about the breed. If you want to help dispell the bad rap, go out of your way to show people what good dogs they are.

Answer 3

You should of had better control over your dog but she shouldn't let a female in heat run around without a leash and then get mad at you for it. I'm pretty sure you can walk a dog intact or not intact as long as you have a leash on and keep them under control. My intact female plays with an intact male all the time, not when she's in heat though, we just watch them and don't let him mount her.

Answer 4

The other woman is 100% wrong. She doesn't know her facts about dogs breeded for show or about pitbulls.

Of course you are allowed to walk a dog that is still intact for breeding purposes!

She is at fault simply because her dog was not leashed --which is a law in my City and State and I am sure in most other states as well.

Answer 5

actually, by law, as long as your dog is LEASHED, your are free to walk him wherever permited. because her dog is not leashed, she was in the wrong. if you take this case up in court, you will win because you were not on her property and YOUR dog was leashed. the judge wont care if the dog was fixed or not. it is a matter of haveing the dog on a leash or not.
technicaly, she has no right letting a non fixed female run wild without controle on her. if she expected everyone to pamper and look out for her dog, she has something else coming for her.
Sorry to say, but the world just doesnt work that way. However, to try and keep the peace and avoid any other conflict with your dog, keep a better eye on him.

Hope this helps.

Answer 6

I think you both are.

1. You for not keeping a closer eye on both your dogs. You should've seen her dog coming and had both of your dogs under control from the cars and other dogs. (If her dog had been an aggressive dog, both of your dogs could've been in a fight and injured).

2. She is for letting her dog off leash at all and for having her in season dog run loose.

I think you need to be a little more careful walking and stay away from her.

Answer 7

I believe it is wrong to let any dog roam loose.

I also believe if you have an intact dog (for whatever reason) you cannot take your eyes off the dog for a second. Not even to look both ways.

You are BOTH responsible for this totally preventable pregnancy. Work together (READ: share the costs) and spay the female IMMEDIATELY.

I'm not positive about this, but you, as the owner of a "show dog" (and therefore a member in good standing of your national breed club who has signed a code of ethics, of course --- right???) could lose your reputation in the ring and in the club if you allowed your dog to sire a mixed breed litter.

Answer 8

It depend where you live , here in BC Canada the law states all females in heat must be confined. If she has a female dog loose she is at fault and can not blame your male for doing what males do , i sure hope your dog dose not get Brucellosis
(Canine Sexually Transmitted Disease} very common .
from her dog that has been loose . This could ruin any change you have in the future of breeding your male .
You should make her get her female tested for Brucellosis
Because if your stud is ruined you have something to be really mad about
ADD ON :
It is very likely this female will get pregnant ,obviously she was very receptive and in full standing heat. I would offer the lady to pay to have her spayed even though it was not your fault so she dose not produce a litter of cross bred pup and this lady dose not sound like she would CARE for the pups properly ..

Answer 9

It is a bit hard to believe that you did not notice that your dog was getting into the "act", as you say. The fact that your dog was on a leash and the other was not will count for you however. There is no point in pursuing the matter any further than necessary. I suppose she could try to sue you for your dog inpregnating her dog, but it is doubtful that would get far. I would personally avoid her street and yard.

Answer 10

Is there a leash law in town? If so she causes any More trouble report her. the sidewalk is a public place not hers. So you can walk your dog down any sidewalk you want. You are i the right It's not your fault she's not a responsible pet owner. i would say ignore her may be go a different route to avoid any confrontation.