"Paul Brumman" wrote in message
...
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.

Dogs don't growl unless they are serious; especially if they are out of
their territory and have no reason to be defensive.
You can shoot a person who is about to attack your child; certainly a dog in
your yard.

However, be prepared for a lawsuit, a criminal investigation and so on. It
would be nice if you had no other reason to shoot (such as you have warned
your neighbor about what would happen if he didn't clean up after his
dog...) and some witnesses.