Why are some people so darn nasty?

[masma]

My friend and I (both mid 60s) were on our usual morning dog walk today when a man started shouting abuse at us regarding our dogs. We've done almost the same walk, at least once a day, for 6 years. Both dogs were playing ball and not bothering anyone. He started effing and blinding at us saying the dogs were scaring his baby (baby was 6 month's ish old and being held quite happily by it's mother). My friend suggested that it was his tone and language that would lead to the child becoming upset to which he hurled even more foul mouthed abuse. As I said - why are some people so nasty???

[mrs_overall]

There is no excuse for his nastiness but can I offer an opinion from another point of view?
My daughter is visually impaired. A small, non threatening dog once approached her (off lead) and it scared her so much she ran into the road and was knocked down by a car.
She has been bitten by a dog (off lead) on the beach and once by a dog (off lead) outside her nursery. Both times, the owners said "he's never done that before/he wouldn't hurt a fly/etc etc"
She is nearly 16 now and petrified of dogs.
Some people (me included) think dogs should be kept on a lead at all times unless on their own property.

I'll stand back now and wait for the torrent of abuse.....

[masma]

No abuse from me and I'm sorry that your daughter had such awful experiences with dogs - however.... where we walk is a well known dog walking area and anyone who has a fear of dogs wouldn't go there.
My reply to this person was just that - he was the one who would scare the child.
Hey ho we had a lovely walk today :-)