We have a local area where many people take their dogs to play off leash, but the area is not designated as an?

[curadhan74]

off leash area and having off leash dogs is discourage by the government agency which owns the property. California law allows dogs to be off leash provided they are under the immediate control of a responsible party. However, many dog owners that come to this park do not have the ability to control their dogs from running off and harassing other users of the park. Even though the dogs are not really vicious, I believe they can still accidentally harm a person or their off leash dog and the owner needs to be aware they can be held liable for such injuries. Also, I believe a person should have the right to fend off overly friendly and uncontrolled dogs if the owner of such dog does nothing to control their dog(s). However, I have search and have not found anything that provides evidence a person has the right to fend off from approaching an uncontrolled, but non vicious dog. We have elderly people and children using this park and the need to control dogs is very important to a few of us that use the park but have control over our own dogs. The government agency can lock up the area if problems continue. Can someone help me find something to print out and hand out to these dog owners that are not actively trying to control their dogs to make them recognize their liability? Also, does one have the right to use a stick or pepper spray to fend off an off leash dog that is too large to control otherwise even if it is only just jumping on them or their dog? Having that information in print would also help greatly. I live in California.

[teithi71]

I think you are way to anal and over thinking this! look tell the dog to get and mean it. You don't need sticks or pepper spray, I know I have never needed it in my life time. Share the world and make friends, it sounds like you want this place shutdown or you want everyone to be just like you. Stop living with the mindset of i must sue.

You want to hand out flyers you are a control freak REALLY the worst thing you have to worry about is friendly dogs that just want to run and have fun!