Is it illegal to kill an unretrained pet in self defence?

Question

I recently bumped into a little dog in the neighbourhood who barked fiercely and ran toward me... No one was around to fasten him.... I almost hit him with my large umbrella, but I was afraid I would be sued..

Another time, I met a pitbull in a public footpath and he growled at me. the owners were camping nearby but let him loose... Is it an offence to wound or kill an animal in self defence?

Answer 1

you can kill a dog in self defence, however, if the dog is very small you may have a difficult time trying to convince people that you feared for your life. most dogs will not actually attack you unless you act aggressively back or run away. learn more about how to deal with dangerous dogs and then you don't have to worry about whether you should kill them or not.
Recommendations for encountering a dog include:
􀁺 Do not approach an unfamiliar dog.
􀁺 Do not run from a dog and scream.
􀁺 Remain motionless (e.g., "be still like
a tree") when approached by an unfamiliar dog.
􀁺 If knocked over by a dog, roll into a ball and lie still (e.g., "be still like
a log").
􀁺 Immediately report dogs displaying unusual behavior to authorities
􀁺 Avoid direct eye contact with a dog.
􀁺 Do not disturb a dog who is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies.
􀁺 Do not pet a dog without allowing it to see and sniff you first.
􀁺 If bitten, immediately report the bite to authorities

keep in mind that an umbrella used on a pit bull would be unlikely to kill the dog and more likely to cause a severe attack.

Answer 2

It's perfectly legal to kill an animal that is not on-lead and attacks you. Heck, you can kill a HUMAN if it attacks you! But for your own safety (since you probably wouldn't square up too well against a Pit), you should learn some safety tips for dealing with those situations. If you come upon a dog that is growling, barking, looks mean ...
1. DO NOT make eye contact.
2. Turn more sideways from the dog and keep your eyes away from his and kind of looking downward.
3. Walk (don't run) slowly away from the dog while in your sideways position ... don't ever stand face-to-face and don't ever turn your back completely!
4. Don't show your teeth at all and don't make any sudden movements.

Answer 3

Well in a open spot especially a place with a leash law its a given. I have heard however of people suing for being attacked by a dog on the dogs property and winning. Owning a dog that will attack a human is greatly frowned on.

Answer 4

I live in central NY and have a problem with the neighbors dogs running all over my yard and attacking MY dogs that are tied up...I would really like to know if Icould do something to them and not get arrested

Answer 5

Oh, seriously now. You don't have to kill a small dog, you coward. Just pick the thing up by the scruff.

In fact, most animals will back down if you stand your ground and give firm commands. It's when you get fearful and show them that they are stronger than you that you have problems.

Answer 6

If the dog is a large breed like a pit or rottie, it could be called self defense if it was attacking you and you hurt or killed it to save yourself, but if the dog "attaking" you was a chihuahua, how could you call that self defense? A chihuahua is not going to kill you so there is no need to use such force against one.

Answer 7

if it is on plubic property you have the right to kill it in self defence but the owners can still try and sue you (and probably will)

criminals tend to have more rights than the victims

Answer 8

.No, especially in public areas. most places have a leash law. but a dog barking or growling does not necessarily ward harming it in self defense

Answer 9

if I'm Michigan its allowed because its a law

Answer 10

i wouldnt try to kill but if it is attacking you it would be reasonable