Do you think dogs should be on leashed in public places?

untrained ones should be ... but if a person has put the time and energy in to train their dog to walk off leash and the dog does not leave the side of the owner, is not concerned about other dogs or animals or people, and is non-aggressive, i don't really care what the rules/laws are, i will be walking my dog off leash ... in the situations you described, those dogs should be leashed ... and why is it in your town leashes are optional but where you hike they are a requirement ??? and to be honest, i have had many more dogs on extendi-leashes charge my off leash, at-my-side dog than off leash dogs ... she will ignore either ...