Should we file charges?

[Kittymomma]

Quote:
Unfortunately when a gun is involved it's usually guilty until proven innocent... Unless you have a copy of the laws... Now it may be legal to defend yourself, but you may still be guilty of a misdemeaner of discharging a firearm in the city.... Screwy Eh?

If someones dog is on your property killing your livestock, you have a legal right to shoot the dog without worrying about the law. Forget the shoot, shovel and shutup. Shoot, take pics and call the law. If the owner of the dog tries to take legal action against you, you can make them pay for your lost livestock as well as pay all of your legal fee's. My neighbors learned the hard way, but their mongels dont come into my yard anymore.

You're probably not going to get in trouble over shooting the dog, but you will for discharging a fire arm in an unsafe manner.

Bullets travel a long way and unless you know that they won't travel into someone elses house, into a road, etc. firing your gun for anything less then fear of your life or that of your family is just not a good idea. I have no issue with SSS, just make sure you're not endangering any one else.

For what it's worth, I'd file charges too. I'd also keep a log of any further problems with the neighbors or their dog if it gets returned. Coming from a law enforcement family I can tell you there is nothing like documentation to get the respect and cooperation of your local police.

 

[rebelcowboysnb]

You could possible be charged with that if the cop just didn't like you. First the cop would have to believe you had no right to shoot. Then the DA would have to agree. Then to be convicted of it 12 people would have to agree. That would be a stretch because the dog as already attacked the kid.

Not an issue in Ga. Citys cant make gun laws. The state reserves all rights to gun laws. Love my state.

 

[Miltonchix]

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Same here. Florida has made it MUCH easier to defend ones self. Its sad though that some states are doing just the opposite. Nanny state, Nanny state.

Goad the POS neighbor into a fight and shoot him!

 

[Plain Old Dee]

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Same in my state. We have a law called the "Make My Day" law. (No kidding - that's it's name!) You can shoot the dog if it's threatening you and/or yours. You could shoot a person that is threatening you and/or yours. There's an investigation, and as long as everything is on the up and up - you're in the clear.

Here in the boonies, where I live, it's not unusual to have to shoot a dog. If the dog is after your livestock, you'd better shoot it right then and ask questions later. There are no second chances. The people that live around here understand that and rarely have a dog that is a problem - not for long anyway!

It's the visitors and the newbies that have the problem dogs - or the people who dump their dogs when they are tired of taking care of them.

We had a couple move into the rental property across the street. They moved there from town because they raised and "trained" pit bulls. They had already been fined a couple of times by the city for harboring dangerous dogs. One of their dogs got loose and went after our horses. Funny thing, the horses didn't run - they promptly kicked the dog and it dropped dead. Neighbor was furious and threatened to shoot the horses for "attacking" his dog. Had the nerve to call the law! They forgot to hide their "training" equipment before the deputy got there. Needless to say, both people and dogs are gone. The new neighbors also have a pit bull, but he isn't a fighting dog. Just a delightful, harmless clown. (and he's fixed!)

 

[ISSOLA]

Your neighbours sound threatening. Be prepared to defend yourselves (chickens second or last; chickens are less important in the big picture). He/she may do something stupid to hurt/threaten you "to protect their dog." They have already made false accusations towards you, and have made you feel intimidated. And if you suspect he is a parolee and has prison tats, by all means -- be on guard.

 

[Boyd]

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Awww, I was just saying know the laws in your area before you go out guns a blazing. Where I live I could shoot with no problem... But if folks are in the city or a township with an ordance against shooting than local laws apply, then state, then federal... you have to follow all 3 in order to legally toe the line.

 

[2chickenrich]

http://www.macon.com/local/story/929724.html

I hope this link works