Expert: Stephen Vantassel - 3/19/2004

Question
The mayor lives right down the road from us.  He has 2 HUGE golden retrievers.  I'm 13.  When we go down the road to the park, we have to literally beat them off.  They try to attack us, and that's all we can do to stay unhurt.  My parents, and the parents of my friend have called animal control several times, and they do nothing.  What can we do?  We don't want to be beatin' off dogs everytime we go down the road.
                      Ruth ( concerned )  

Answer
I would suggest contacting a lawyer. You may have grounds for civil action. Video taping the events couldn't hurt. Document all the times you called animal control. Talk to the owners too may be a solution. There is always a letter to the newspaper as well.  Just some ideas to consider and weigh. All may not be suitable for your situation.