What is the ruling on one whose fear of stray dogs prevents him from performing Fajr prayer in the mosque, so he performs it at home?

If the fear of dogs is real, and there is concern of harm from them, and there is no way to repel them, then there is no sin in failing to attend congregational prayer. However, if it is merely a psychological apprehension, then it is not a sufficient excuse to abandon the congregation at the mosque; for congregational prayer in the mosque is, according to the preponderant opinion, obligatory.