You could call animal control or whatever and ask what their opinion is of it. Think about what they say, and if you decide it's best, call them back with the rest of the info. If the owners are not willing to tie it up, and its a law, I don't think its far for the dog..if they can't afford the fence..how can they afford the dog..? Our fence didn't cost that much..all you need to buy is the fence, we put it together ourselves and saved a lot of money