Paul Brumman (in ) said:

| We had some high profile dog incidents in the neighboring county. I
| have two kids, 6 and 2, and am wondering. If, let's say, a
| neighbor's dog wanders in our yard and starts growling at my
| children, in a threatening manner, would it be legal to just take
| my trusty SKS and shoot the dog wile it is trespassing on my
| property? That has not happened, but my neighbors two houses over
| keep a dog that I do not like and I am a little concerned. Waht to
| know the legalities. I am near El Paso, TX.

Paul...

IANAL. Check with local authorities concerning legalities. If a dog
came on my place and only /acted/ threatening I think I'd be inclined
to load up a SuperSoaker with household ammonia and let him have it. A
second incident would merit pepper spray. Both are non-lethal and
effective persuaders.

Simply not liking a critter (with any number of legs) isn't
justification for killing or maiming. I suspect you don't really need
to be told that.

On the other hand, I doubt there are many who'd find fault with you
for dispatching any critter (of any species) on the spot if it was
abusing a member of your family.

--
Morris Dovey
DeSoto Solar
DeSoto, Iowa USA
http://www.iedu.com/DeSoto/solar.html