he probably had the "right" but that does not make it the RIGHT thing to do..Unfortunately the law reads that dogs at large run the risk of getting shot, they do not have to be doing anything wrong. Ultimately it is the owners responsibility to keep their dogs on their property, or with them at all times when away from the boundaries. The neighbor had the right to shoot the dog.
the key word here is " neighbor "..
I know people like that,, hey, there is a dog, I guess I will shoot it ..
that's just bull schitz ..