Poodle vs. jogger gets plenty of hackles up
By Annie Linskey
sun reporter
Debate ensues after runner kicks and injures small dog that chased and nipped at him
- Anne Arundel County police spokesman Shawn A. Urbas said the jogger could face a misdemeanor charge of animal cruelty or a felony charge of aggravated animal cruelty. However, Anne Arundel County laws require animals to be "leashed and under the control of a responsible person."
Kristin Riggin, a spokeswoman for State's Attorney Frank R. Weathersbee, said a final decision has not been made regarding charges and declined to comment further on the case.
...
"We will ask for a vigorous prosecution like the world depended on it," said Martin Mersereau, the manager for the domestic animal abuse department at PETA.
THC: I feel very strongly that it is not right to have an animal "attack" someone in a public space and legally require them to react positively. How many people that have been startled by an attacking dog can truly say they can always reacted well?
So should people be required to keep their animal under control or should joggers and cyclists be required not to harm an attacking animal? Read more to weigh in.
I should note that I do feel very sorry for the dog and sincerely wish more people knew how to handle animals well but if someone is fearful of an animal what should be expected when that animal attacks that person?
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