I'd like to learn from responsible dog owners how they feel about this situation.
I LOVE dogs. I don't have any as I've not the time to devote to them. But I love them. However, I am terrified of being attacked by a loose dog that I don't know.
I'm a runner and I run long distances over some fairly rural roads. I believe that it is my right to use these roads for my runs as they are public roads.
However, its fairly common in rural areas around here for dogs to be allowed to roam freely. Growing up, I always had a dog. But we obeyed the leash laws and kept the yard fenced. It's not any safer for the dog than for me for it to be out roaming.

I just thought I'd open a discussion on this topic. Just because there aren't leash laws in rural areas, do you think the dogs should be out running freely? I carry mace and have never had to use it. But I worry someday I may be forced to.

For anyone else who likes to walk, run, bike, etc, do you experience this ever?