That was a glaring problem we noticed when we moved to Tennessee, i.e., how HORRID pet owners are here. Neglectful and abusive. One family left the dog tied up outside 24/7 on a short rope in every kind of weather. The food and water dishes were empty most of the time, so we and another family would fill them when we drove by. We took some in cats; other animals we felt sorry for but had no way to help.
We are on 5 acres of woods. One day I was walking in the back when pit mix dog approached me. I stood still, pointed in the direction it came from, and loudly yelled “Git! Go on, git!” He turned and left, which was good, because I didn’t have a sidearm on me. But I did have my very sharp machete.
I sometimes carry my very sharp pitchfork.