Originally Posted by
oldmountain
I'm thinking about carrying spray for all the dog encounters we have in the area, my question is after you spray a dog do you bother letting the owner know?
Not only no, but HELL no!
Pepper spray is a defensive weapon -- the purpose of which is to let you DISENGAGE AND RETREAT. If you think you have a justifiable need to use it, then follow these steps:
1) "HEY!" -- yell at the animal. This may be enough to halt the attack.
2) Spray -- give it a blast of the most potent chemical that you can have in your jurisdiction (there is no overkill).
3) Get Away! -- get out of Dodge while you can.
I would not advise trying to contact the owner, cops or Animal Control, none of whom will make your day any more pleasant than it already was. The only exception to this rule would be if you have had to hose down an animal which is vicious AND poses a continuing danger to others, so that the cops should be made aware of the situation.