dogs

Please, please, watch out for pit bulls and other dogs off leash in that area. Carry something to defend yourself.
Last Monday morning around 8AM, my 20 pound Jack Russell terrier (who was on a leash) and I were attacked by a gray pit bull (named Bella who was not on a leash) on the East Palisades Trail at the Chattahoochee River in Atlanta. I thought we were going to die when it happened. It was a large type of pit bull. I had already picked up my dog and was trying to shelter her in my arms, when the pit bull knocked us to the ground and grabbed my dog's foot. The dog was on top of us. The owner was able to pull her off. This is the reason it's against the law to have your dog off leash anywhere - on any trail - even in the water - within the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. The dog's owner was very sorry. She replied that many people have their dogs off leash here and she suggested this might not be the best place for me to walk my dog. 30 minutes later, we ran into them again and pit bull was still off leash. I later call the Ranger. Nothing he could do since I didn't have any way to identify the owner. He said it is a problem and people seem to think it's OK to have dogs off leash here - and that they share that misinformation on social media. He said he will request that Rangers patrol the area more often. My dog was bitten. Took her to the emergency vet and I think she will be OK. I understand there at not enough Rangers to patrol the area constantly. But more signage might help. There are signs in the parking lot, but you really have to read through them thoroughly to learn that you are not to have dogs off leash.I've been hiking that trail for 35 years. I don't know if I will ever return, but if I do, I will have protection.

May. 28, 2021