Design Challenges

2-Miles: Dogs and covenants

As I previously mentioned communities in Florida are governed by a Home Owners Association (HOA) and its covenants. In Saw Mill Lakes the covenants state that dogs are not to be left unattended and are not to be outside without a leash.

Why is it then that I constantly see dogs outside, without anyone left to look after them, but an invisible fence. What many pet owners fail to realize is that invisible fences are not 100% foolproof. Who is in charge of enforcing these rules?

Today, during my two mile run, a man was walking his dog alongside his toddler. He was concerned for the little girl and was paying very little attention to the dog. The dog was small and full of energy. He had a leash on the doggy, but in his distraction, he fail to see that the dog had strech the leash close to six feet and inadvertly was heading righ down my way. I was in no way treaten by the little thing, but did get tangle and almost hit the pavement because of the retractable leash. I recover quickly and did not fall.

The bottom line is that when someone adopts a pet into their life they assume a certain responsibility. A responsibility that should not be taken lightly, if I happen to have fallen and crack, say a bone, who would have been responsible for the cost? During the year that I have lived in this development I have been chased by three different dogs during my outside runs. Would I be entitle to bring suit if one of those dogs have bitten me? Who would I sue, the community, the pet owner or both? Luckily for me, we are moving in a few weeks to a community known for enforcing its covenants and rules. In addition, our next community is bigger and offers more sidewalk and trails to allow, hopefully, for a more enjoyable 2-Mile experience.

Labels: 2-mile, Jacksonville, jax, lawsuits, maps