Am I a bad person for using pepper spray on big dogs?
Mailmen use this too. I like to take walks in my neighborhood but often encounter a loose dog and usually big ones like Dobermans, Rotwrilers, and Pitbulls. I have used the spray and it has worked however I worry about running out. It’s awful that I have to resort to this but so many people here like leaving thier pets off leash. I think they do it to protect thier property.
There are some good answers so far. I have a couple of answers I’m considering to pick but I’ll wait till the last day before I vote. The question may sound silly to some but I assure you there are some folks out there who think it’s bad. Case and point – I had a big biker-type neighbor who yelled at me for using it on his unleashed dog that was charging me. The idiot was standing right next to his dog when it happened. I’ts the owners, not the dogs I have a problem with. After I was bit by a pit I started to carry the pepper spray and was afraid to use it at first, thinking what if it don’t work or I miss his head and they bite me for trying. I’ll have to say thiough it has worked on some big ones like the Rot that is always out. I don’t have to spray him anymore — just point the bottle at him.
I want to make clear a few things. I don’t want you to get the wrong impression of me. The only time I had used the spray was maybe 3 times and these dogs were big and showing me that they were indeed agressive and off their leash or not fenced in. And in response to one of the answers, I have every right legally to defend myself with pepper spray even if the dog was on his property. If the dog is charging you and he’s not restrained you don’t have time to see if he will stop before he leaves the property. They are not likely to stop anyway and how would you know who’s dog it is if its not fenced in?
I’ve decided to let you guys pick the best answer. I found a couple answers I agree with but I’m interested in seeing the results of a unanimous vote.