I don't have much of an issue with the person behind the camera. I live in a community that has 2 off-leash dog parks so within 5 minute walking distance from any house in the community you can get to one. And yet a fair chunk of dog owners decide to walk their dogs off-leash on a bike path behind the community. For the majority of them they're probably good enough dogs but I have seen a biker crash into a bush trying to avoid a dog that came running at/beside him, I've seen terrified children running away crying from (friendly) dogs and one nearly causing an accident as it chased after a rabbit close to a major street forcing a driver to slam on his/her brakes. All of these pretty recently.
I have my own dog, when I walk it and come close to someone I rein in on the leash to stop him from running up to the person. If the person wants to pet him I'll slacken the leash. But I think it's just common courtesy and responsible ownership to have control of your dogs in public. When I want him off-leash I'll go to an off-leash park. I know the excuses, my dog is friendly and wouldn't hurt anyone, my dog always comes when he's called etc. etc. and while probably true, how do others know this?
Leash up, there's a reason it's a law and there are off-leash parks. If you're going to ignore the law even after your neighbour has expressed his concerns with it, don't cry about being publicly shamed.
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