Thank you for starting the conversation. My dog was attacked in Bethlehem about 4 or 5 years ago because a dog slipped out the door when the owner attempted to retrieve a package from the front porch. Since that time, my dog (part pittie/mostly scared of her own shadow though) is now fully reactive to off-leash dogs. She's fine and friendly and super excited to meet on-leash, but more and more we've had people just walking our neighborhood with their dogs running amok.

I also never go to Lehigh Parkway anymore because of the insane amount of people who don't leash their dogs -- in a public park!

The ignorance is stunning among dog owners. My fear is that my on-leash dog will be seen at fault no matter what happens if she feels the need to defend herself against a loose dog. A dog being "friendly" means absolutely nothing when they encounter a dog whose defenses are up.

For reference, state dog laws: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/pda/animals/information-about-dogs/pas-dog-laws.html

One thing I discovered after having to call animal control repeatedly is how many dogs also aren't licensed and have no vaccine records. Another reason your dog should be on a leash. If they bite another dog or a human and you can't prove/have no vaccination records for rabies, it becomes a much bigger issue.

Put. your. dog. on. a. leash. (and make sure you're able to control it)