One comment that I would add to the discussion is that a leash law, in itself, will not necessarily provide compensation for a cyclist injured by a dog allowed to run loose. If the law only "criminalizes" the behavior through the imposition of a fine, then you'd still be stuck pursuing homeowner's insurance or suing in small claims court to recover for any property damage or personal injury. A criminal law at the end of the day only serves to encourage people to restrain their dogs. And if it's not enforced or enforced only when someone is already hurt, it really does very little good.

Homeowners really kill me. I got chased my a little dog the other day who stopped me dead in my tracks. He wouldn't back off at all. His owner ran from his hard and chased him away from me. I told the guy that other cyclists would be coming through since it was a club ride. He admits that he'd already "seen a bunch." Presumably, the dog chased after those cyclists too so then WTF? WHY HAVEN'T YOU TIED YOUR DOG UP THEN? He eventually had to take his belt off his pants and "whip" the dog back into the yard.

Sigh....