If you live in Texas, here is the state law:
Citation: TX HEALTH & S § 822.001 - 013
Citation: V. T. C. A., Health & Safety Code § 822.001 - 013
Summary: Subchapter A addresses the treatment, seizure, and disposition of dogs that are a danger. This subchapter applies to any dog that causes a person's death or serious bodily injury, regardless of provocation or the location in which the incident occurred.
(The part about dogs who are dangerous to humans not included here, but I thought it interesting that even if said dog killed a human, a hearing had to be held before the dog could be disposed of. Not so if it's killing your chickens, as shown below.)
§ 822.013. Dogs or Coyotes That Attack Animals
(a) A dog or coyote that is attacking, is about to attack, or has recently attacked livestock, domestic animals, or fowls may be killed by:
(1) any person witnessing the attack; or
(2) the attacked animal's owner or a person acting on behalf of the owner if the owner or person has knowledge of the attack.
(b) A person who kills a dog or coyote as provided by this section is not liable for damages to the owner, keeper, or person in control of the dog or coyote.
(c) A person who discovers on the person's property a dog or coyote known or suspected of having killed livestock, domestic animals, or fowls may detain or impound the dog or coyote and return it to its owner or deliver the dog or coyote to the local animal control authority. The owner of the dog or coyote is liable for all costs incurred in the capture and care of the dog or coyote and all damage done by the dog or coyote.
(d) The owner, keeper, or person in control of a dog or coyote that is known to have attacked livestock, domestic animals, or fowls shall control the dog or coyote in a manner approved by the local animal control authority.
(e) A person is not required to acquire a hunting license under Section 42.002, Parks and Wildlife Code, to kill a dog or coyote under this section.
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Incidentally, should you live in Houston, you will need insurance for $100,000 or more in the event your dog causes further damage (unless you kill it -another good reason to SSS or even just SS) and he must be implanted with a microchip after being identified as dangerous. This ordnance was passed in 2006.
Local law enforcement in cities rarely know of these laws. Most states have them, one only needs to look. In fact, I'm not aware of nor have I read where any state did not have a state law that protects livestock from stray or loose dogs by allowing said dog to be disposed of.
