Dogs

[mtbvip]

On my daily mtb cycling route I ride through parks where I often encounter dogs, who are'nt on a leash, accompanied by their owners. When approaching the dogs I make an effort to slow down and avoid them.  Despite my efforts, some of the dogs will charge towards me. In the past one of these dogs has run into my front wheel, causing me to fall and damage my bike (the dog came out unscathed).

Should this happen again, would I have any legal recourse against the owner, or would I perhaps be the one to be, legally speaking, in the wrong?

 

Any comments appreciated.

[kori]

mace

[Slowbee]

Look at your municipal by laws.

 

In the cape they are busy passing laws that dogs have to be on leads at all times. Only in specially demarcated areas will dogs be allowed off their leashes.

 

I am not sure if the same applies in JHB. Find out who your local ward councillor is and give them a call.

 

 

[The Saint]

You probably would have recourse, however you need to then weigh up the cost of fixing your bike as opposed to the cost of hiring a lawyer and the rest of the fees that go with it.

 

 

 

Probably will be more rewarding to call the owner a f$%king idiot and claim from insurance.

[TNT1]

 

Look at your municipal by laws.

 

 

 

 

 

Good idea. But surely that would lead to a criminal charge. Can't you still go after the owner for personal injury regardless of the by-laws?

 

[Dirty Twin]

I am with kori Pepper Spray dogs hate it.

[ASTANA]

put some spikes or thumbnails on the bottom of your shoe - unclip and trap the dog on the head !

 

problem solved

 

[Reghard111]

put some spikes or thumbnails on the bottom of your shoe - unclip and trap the dog on the head !

 

problem solved

..........................nice.........

[epoh]

Sounds to me like one of those Judge Judy cases. Let me know when you are on the show.

 

Not sure what to do, speak to the park officials to create more awareness. Put up signs, send out notes to residents in the area.

 

[DownhillingKing]

Cycle faster then hit the dog then it might not be so lucky and it won't happen again

[colinw]

I generally slow down expecting the dog to have a nip at my ankles. I like dogs, am usaully in a good mood on my bike and dont let it worry me. Dogs in the park are like most bad car drivers, if you anticipate them going for you/turning infront of you, you can usually avoid an accident.

[scotty]

Instead of hitting the dogs, hit the owners as it's there fault. Dogs just doing what comes naturally.

[TNT1]

 

Instead of hitting the dogs' date=' hit the owners as it's there fault. Dogs just doing what comes naturally.

[/quote']

 

You're gonna get banned from this forum if you carry on using common sense...

 

[Stretch]

speak to the park officials

 

what country are you living in???, i think the last time I saw a park official at a park i was about 5!

 

 

 

Anyway, I dont take chances with dogs, if i see them, i stop, pick up a stick or some small stones just in case they come for me

[JustinS]

Don't put the blame on the dog, BLAME THE OWNER! Dogs must be on a leash at all times when in public areas & under the control of the OWNER.

[nyathi]

Pepper Spray, one wee blast for the head, then get off and give it to the owner also!

 

I get dogs chasing me here in Botswana almost on a daily basis, serious adrenaline rush to try and get away, when I dont have the pepper spray handy!