Attention Tennesseans....

[Cha Cha]

I hope I'm not straying from the rules of the board here, and I promise this isn't political... but.... There is pending legislation in Nashville to make it a felony for dog owners who fail to stop or prevent their dogs from biting or otherwise attacking or injuring people. Currently, it is a misdemeanor with a $50 fine, and is not taken seriously by dog owners or law enforcement. Dogs have been a real problem in some areas here in East TN, particularly the more rural areas, where their owners often let them run loose. They can be a danger to cyclists of all ages, to motorists, and to runners/walkers. Even friendly dogs can cause cyclists to swerve into traffic - motorists too.

Please understand, I mean no disrespect to dogs or to responsible dog owners! It's just an issue of safety.

The bill is Senate Bill 142. If you are a resident of Tennessee, please consider writing your state senator and urging support for this bill. If you don't know who your state senator is, follow this link:

http://www.legislature.state.tn.us/senate/members/smembers.htm#Find

Again, if I've gone beyond the boundaries of the board, please accept my apologies. I just grow weary of hearing of dog/cyclist accidents that could perhaps be prevented. My DBF is routinely 'greeted' by a few dogs on his rides, and it's just not necessary.

Climbing down off the soap box now... thanks everybody for bearing with me!

Amy

[emily_in_nc]

Good luck with this Amy - If I lived in Tennessee, I'd definitely write my senators!

I fractured my pelvis in a cycling accident in 2005 when two large, unrestrained dogs ran out into the road at me. This was in rural NC, so I know exactly what you are talking about. I too love dogs, have had a dog or dogs most of my life, but there is a time and place for them, and running loose in people's yards where they can injure cyclists, runners, walkers, or get hit by a car is not the proper place at all. It's not the dogs' fault, obviously, as they are creatures of instinct; it's the owner's. I was able to recover my medical expenses through the dog owners' homeowner's policy, thankfully, but was counseled that I wouldn't have a very good chance in court with dog lovers on a jury, so I didn't go that route, and as a result, didn't receive any kind of pain and suffering restitution.

I found your post most appropriate, tho' I don't think there are many Tennessee gals on this board... :(

Emily

[SouthernBelle]

Me! & Meg. Couple others that don't post regularly.

I will email my Sen. even though we are opposite sides of the fence.

[liberty]

Wow. That is awesome. Keep your ears posted Missouri gals. Maybe this will head our direction! I know quite a few dogs on my routes that need to be restrained.