There is a arts district attraction near me (Virginia) with ample lawn area for picnicking and relaxing, and I frequent it to go on walks. Many people walk their dogs around and it’s just a nice atmosphere overall. However, there have been a few dog owners—two in particular that I have noticed multiple times—that have demonstrated some behavior that concerns me. Both own Westies, and when their dogs lag behind them they will yank hard on the leash and even drag the dogs for a distance to get them to come with them.

As someone who is not a dog owner, my gut instinct is to call them out for treating their dogs like crap and to stop yanking/dragging them with the leash. But I don't know how I can best approach the situation if it is, in fact, inappropriate and requires the attention of an authority. I also don't know if it's crappy behavior yet simply fails to warrant intervention from an authority or not.

Am I overreacting? Or should I intervene? And if the latter, how can I most appropriately do so?

Thank you in advance.