Midchuck, when attacked by a dog, did you report it to the authorities? In most (if not all) states an owner has an obligation to control his animals. That can mean a chain, a fence, or whatever. The owner is responsible for wht the pet does. (see my last paragraph below)

Here in Indianapolis about a year ago my wife, while walking on the street, was bitten by a dog which ran out from the owner's property and crossed the street to bite her. We reported it to Animal Control. They picked up the dog and held it for about a week, to see if any signs of rabies showed up. None did. The dog was returned to the owner, with the admonition that another such bite would probably result in destruction of the animal, and with instructions as in my last two sentences below.

Interestingly, the dog had been confined within a fenced area, and had dug out. Never mind that, the owner was responsible. If any real harm had come to my wife, beyond the bruise she got through her slacks, we would have had a solid case for a lawsuit.

Dave Oesterreich