Legal to shoot an attacking dog?

Question

Lets say that you are on a walk down your road and a bull mastiff dog comes running out of his lawn, crosses the road barking and growling and charging you and your stroller you are pushing that is carrying your 7 month old child.

Lets say you carry a concealed handgun (legally). Do you have the right to shoot the dog because you felt you were under attack? Or would you have to wait for the dog to actually hurt your child or yourself?

Answer 1

The other day I had two huge Bull Mastiffs charge me as I was leaving "The Ranch" luckily I was on a quad at the time driving to my car as they ran towards me I took off. When I came back I loaded up my 30/30 and then they came back but I stayed in my car (I had a gate to open and close) after terrorizing passing cars they left. My answer would be yes you should but in this world we live in that would probably be considered animal cruelty for all I know.

Answer 2

right or wrong I'd shoot the dog before he actually took a chunk out of me or my baby. and then deal with the charges later, What will the owner do or say they should keep the dog in its cage or back yard.

Answer 3

You do what you must to stay safe. let the court do what it will...

Answer 4

I'd get ta crackin'!  I wouldn't wait for the dog to attack.  If I truly feared for my safety or my baby's safety...sorry the dog is going down.

Answer 5

Self-defense is justifiable and legal to counter an immediate threat of death or bodily injury. (Incidentally, that principle applies whether the threatening animal has four legs or two.)

added

Lolli P wrote:

"please give me a low rating, see if i care. shooting dogs? pshh!"

So you'd prefer that your child or yourself get seriously injured rather than protecting yourselves?

Answer 6

I do not know where you are and each community has it's own rules . But I would not wait for personal injury to stop he offending dog. My guess is that if yo go to trial the jury will have some compassion on you.Unless there is no penalty , do not admit guilt . Ask for public defender.Make no statements! Only admit guilt if all charges droppedand no fines community service.

Answer 7

Is it legal, probably not but I seriously doubt any charges would be leveled against you and even if they were, I again doubt they would hold up in court.  Dogs are required to be on a leash at all times (unless on owners property) and you have a right to defend yourself.  If the owner violates the leash laws and allows his dog to attack people, then he/his dog deserves a .45 to the head.  

Answer 8

lets say pigs flew out your rear end as well.

Answer 9

Shoot first, to protect you and your child.

In the USA you can always use deadly force to protect yourself or someone else, if you feel your life is in danger.

And if the dog owner comes running out yelling and screaming at you with a screwdriver in their hand you shoot the dog owner too.