i killed a dog what can happen to me?

Question

this morning i woke up and found that most my chikens and rabitts in my house was dead.
later this evening i heard a noise and found that there was a dog eating my chikens live chikens and rabitts...filled with rage i got my gun and killed the dog.i dont have licence for my gun and the dog died down the streat...nobody saw me, but this night a police came to my door asking me some questions, do you think that i can go to jail for doing this? i haven´t told the policemen that it was me! what can happen to me? can you help me?

Answer 1

There are other ways of dealing with the situation, I know that you were probably so angry you didn't think but still. You could have called the police or found the owner. The police maybe could have gotten the dog owner to pay for your loss, although it would not replace your animals. Where do you live, there is usually a leash law. You should contact the police and explain the situation to them, it is hard keeping a secret like that, isn't that why you are writing here? Do the right thing, it might work out for the best. The longer you wait the more trouble you will get in.

Answer 2

OK I do think this story is not true but obviously you wanted to start a debate and you did, so here's my two cents worth.
Firstly you have every right to shot a dog if it is on your property eating your livestock and I would do it if I had too.

Now for the people saying you could have done something like yell at the dog, where are your heads this is a dog, you can do whatever you like to the dog it WILL KEEP COMING BACK THERE IS A FREE FEED FOR IT.

The bottom line is the dog needs to be owned by RESPONSIBLE people who can keep it in their yard, what do you all expect for a farmer to do waste his whole precious life yelling at stray dogs. I very much doubt he would have the time. Another thing that you are forgetting a dog to you might be precious, but chickens, sheep, rabbits, or whatever are just as precious to other people.

I have had a mongrel dog (owned by irresponsible people) kill my PET chickens (and yes I loved them and they had personalities and my dog loved them) one by one. I told the owner many many many times nothing happened, because I don't own a gun all my chickens are dead and I have none.
B before I get chickens again I need to buy a gun.

Answer 3

In my town there is a law that a person can shoot any animal that is harrassing or worrying their livestock. Check your city website online for laws regarding livestock.

You may have been angry, but need to understand that what that dog did was just instinct. There was many other ways to take care of the problem. For one, when you first found that your chickens and rabbits were dead, you should have been sure to secure their enclosure as they are the ones who had to suffer because of you. Second, what in the world are you shooting a gun that has not been licensed! And on top of that you shot the dog who had to run down the street in agonizing pain just to bleed to death. It's scary that people like you are able to handle a gun. Wouldn't ever want to anger you if that is how your vent your anger.

Answer 4

I don't know what state you are in, but in Arkansas if you catch a dog chasing or killing your livestock (rabbits and chickens are considered livestock) you can shoot them. You do not have to give warning to the owner. After wards you are supposed to call the police and tell them what happened. They will take care of informing the owner. It is as much the owner's responsibility to keep their dog on their property as it is your responsibility to make sure that your animals are kept safely. If you had your chickens/rabbits in a cage where they could not get out, you are within your rights to shoot the dog, or at least in Arkansas you are.

Answer 5

you should go and tell the police that it was you who shot the dog. u are better off telling the truth instead of waiting to be charged later.face up and admit what happened and about having a gun or u might get a worse sentence later. most likely u might just get a fine for not having a licence for the gun. the dog was on ur property so his owner will be at fault.

Answer 6

You know there is a huge thing going on about this in TX right now.
This loser of a guy shot 2 huskies in the head because they were killing his chickens that were running loose. In the laws eyes he was in the right- he has the right to protect his property and livestock. And yes, there is a leash law. BUT
There are many other options to choose from before killing an innocent dog. I, personally, believe that anyone who would shoot someones pet like that is a very disturbed, cruel, and ignorant person. There is always other options. You can't go to jail because of doing this, but I wish you could.
At best you could go to jail for having a firearm with no license.....

Answer 7

I don't know where you live, but, this dog had killed your animals and the dog was on your property. If you would feel better, tell the truth. I doubt you could get in trouble, if any thing the dogs owner would be the one in trouble for letting their dog roam free. For all you know, this dog could have turned on you. I am a big,big animal lover,but, considering what happened to your animals, I feel you had every right to do what you did. You could consult a lawyer, find one that offers free consultation. Good Luck!

Answer 8

It could be legal in some areas to protect ones livestock from domestic animals running at large. Check with the Dept of Agriculture in your state. You may not be in any trouble at all. The owner of the dog may be held liable for the damages and losses to you.

Answer 9

First off you were way out of line to do that. You deserve to get bit by a dog, HARD.

Second of all, depending on where you live, you can go to jail for up to 5 years for animal cruelty, and if I knew who you were I would turn you in myself!

Answer 10

Potentially, you might be fined for discharging a firearm within city limits - but highly unlikely.

The dog owner could potentially sue you for the loss of their dog, but unlikely, as you do have a countersuit - the dog was not contained and destroyed your property - so you can sue the dog owner for the loss of your chickens and rabbits.

Don't lose any sleep over it. (But why are chickens and rabbits living in your house?)