re: You're Carrying and attacked by dog..

not only from a criminal standpoint, but more likely First, an unprovoked attack from a dog that could kill your or (more likely) cause significant bodily harm is rare in my experience. I've been running/walking outside for more yrs than I like to admit. I've never been bit, but have had many dogs charge me. I only recall 5 times that I really feared I was about to get bit. Only 3 dogs would've been big enough to cause significant injury.

Having said that, would you be in legal trouble if you shot a dog that was attacking you? Depends on many factors, as it does w/ self defense against people. Study and learn dog behavior so you can avoid an at risk situation. Carry, and be able to use, non-lethal forms of self defense (nowadays, I always carry a can of Mace, but sometimes will carry a large folding blade knife; I've only use the Mace once in 10 years. I'd carry a small 380 only on really long runs that take me outside the city.). Use lethal force only when there's a reasonable risk of death or significant bodily injury. Finally, be aware that even if you thought you were about to be killed by a 100# dog, you will have problems from the dog's owner; in his eyes, it will be entirely your fault. Be prepared for potential problems from a civil standpoint.

stay out of hoods that have the type of culture and animals that can inflict serious damage.

You damn right. Night time is some scary shite.

As an outside sales rep I have actually had a pit rip a pants leg, and a mutt bite my ankle. In both cases I was not in "neutral" territory, and the dogs reacted before the owner could respond. But, if I was simply walking or jogging I can see this scenario easily playing out. Unfortunately in my neck of the woods the meaner the dog the better it seems. And not all owners are responsible owners.

If a dangerous breed is off leash and charges, I would shoot it and would be comfortable that I would not be prosecuted for animal cruelty. If it is a lab or other family friendly breed, authorities and jury may be less forgiving.

at some of the responses in this thread.

The legal requirements to justify the use of deadly force against a person are not the same for shooting a dog.

I am not advocating blasting any dog that looks threatening but the legal threshold to meet is much less than if you needed to use deadly force against a person.

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No. Not even close. I don't have to be anything close to fearing for my life to shoot a damn dog that's attacking me. I don't believe a 50lb dog can kill me, but if one were to attack, that would be the end of him.


A 50lb dog could severely injure you and could take your life. If a 50lb pitbull even looks at me I consider my life threatened. If a 10lb Chihuahua is attacking me I'm gonna punt it across the street.

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All of this. Hell, I'm much more worried about dogs than I am people. But then again, I've been getting a bunch of dog bite cases lately.

Granny does your dog bite? No child no.

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better have bite or claw marks on your body.

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This. Unless you're in the woods somewhere and you really feel threatened.

I hope we remember to invite you to the next OBGT. You come off as a barrel of laughs.