Awesome. I hope everything continues to work in your favor, despite the media's agenda and the agenda of certain irresponsible dog-owners. Hopefully pet owners in your area will now remember to keep their "beloved" pets under responsible supervision and control. No matter how much the media attempts to spin this in the way of the dog-owner, it was the dog-owner who allowed his animal to run unprotected and uncontrolled.
There was nothing keeping that animal from harming you or being struck by a car. If anyone were to be charged with animal cruelty it should be the person responsible for the dog. It was the owner's irresponsibility that led to the dog's destruction, it could have just as easily been a car, poison, or another loose animal that could have harmed or destroyed that dog.
Ultimately it lies in the animal's owner to provide protection and control. You as a poultry owner, must do what is responsible and protect your children and birds. It was the dog's owner responsibility to protect his dog, which he waived when he unclicked the leash from that animal. It was he that put both his dog, and your family and animals in danger.
I just now caught up with this thread and I hope the best for you and yours, Mr Harris. And congrats on the charges being dropped. I really hope the media hasn't made it too hard on you and hopefully now that you can put your spin on things so people won't judge you so harshly. BYC is the best place to get aid on a whole mess of stuff.
gosh alot has been posted since yesterday morning! welcome mr harris. i m glad at least some part of this is over for you. and i m glad that the op found this story so byc could offer you support in your time of need! we're here for ya!