I like dogs, but I am not a big fan of being chased by them. What is the Law and What should I do to protect myself from loose dogs when I'm out running?

Q: I am training for the Roman Runners and I like dogs, but I am not a big fan of being chased by them. What is the Law and What should I do to protect myself from loose dogs when I'm out running?

A. According to ARTICLE 7 of the Agriculture & Markets Law (Chapters 220 & 221, Laws of 1978) Relating to licensing, identification and control of dogs and animal population control program Section 124. Local laws or ordinances:

1. Any municipality may enact a local law or ordinance upon the keeping or running at large of dogs and the seizure thereof, provided no municipality shall vary, modify, enlarge or restrict the provisions of this article relating to identification, licensing, rabies vaccination and euthanization.

2. Such local law or ordinance may:

(a) impose penalties for violation of such restrictions to be recovered in a civil action in the name of such municipality; (b) provide for enforcement by fine or imprisonment for any such violation; or (c) provide for the issuance pursuant to the criminal procedure law of an appearance ticket, or in lieu thereof, a uniform appearance ticket, or in lieu thereof, a uniform appearance ticket and simplified information, as provided in section one hundred fourteen of this article, by any dog control officer, peace officer, acting pursuant to his special duties, or police officer, who is authorized by any municipality to assist in the enforcement of this article for any such violation.

Contact your local City or Town Hall and find out exactly what your "local" ordinance is as it does vary from town to town. If you feel threatened by these dogs, contact your local dog control officer and or police department and make them aware there are dogs running at large in your area.

Keep in mind that this information is "general" and does NOT apply for every dog.

Do NOT make direct eye contact! Some dogs will interpret this as a sign of aggression.

Maintain yourself in a CALM and CONFIDENT manner.

Stand up straight in an "authoritive" NOT challenging manner.

Do NOT talk to the dog! Many people make this mistake by saying things like " Hey there buddy, are you lost?" In a hunched over, calm tone trying to pacify the dog OR they do the reverse They take a more aggressive approach, stomp their foot and say " GO AWAY" Either way, depending on the dog - you're provoking a bite. Do NOT talk to the dog!

Watch the dog for signs of aggression behavior , such as growling, direct eye contact braced or stiff legs or tail( freezing ). If the dog looks aggressive, look away from the dog, back away slowly. Don't turn around and run or they will chase you.

Once you are safely away from the loose dog, call your local humane society or the non-emergency number for your local police and tell them where to find the loose dog.

It's unfortunate that some pet owners allow their dogs run to loose as this is not only harmful to the public, but to the animals welfare as well. Shelters and Rescue Groups are becoming overwhelmed and with today's economy, volunteers and donations are running thin. We would encourage pet owners to keep your animals secure during your absence and under your supervision.

This article was published on May 10th, 2009 in the Sunday Sentinel