Dogs attacking your dog - Florida

[gonerydin]

Answer is state specific. Here is a link discussing Texas law. No statute authorizing deadly force against dog for human attack but permitting deadly force to protect your animal! You would have to rely on the common law (no statute) of "necessity" as to the attack against the person.
Can I be Arrested for Shooting an Attacking Dog in Texas? - U.S. & Texas LawShield For dog walking I carry a .22 revolver and would go for a shot in the hip or shoulder first if I could. If this didn't discourage the attacking dog I will get serious. I don't want to kill the dog or injure it so as it has to be put down if I can avoid it.

OC spray would probably be more effective against an aggressive animal than a .22 revolver, especially a larger beast. Less liability as well.


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[pacecars]

As someone who has worked for the Tallahassee Police Department for a long long time and knowing how many officers we have that had to shoot dogs in self defense as long as I feel like I am in imminent danger I would not hesitate to shoot a dog. If the dog was attacking my dog I would shoot the dog because I would fear that as soon as it was done with my dog I would be next. You still have to make sure of what is behind your target and I would imagine I would be but because I would probably want to be a muzzle contact range so as not to hit my dog

 

[Leslie Sapp]

Statutes & Constitution
:View Statutes
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Online Sunshine

 

[Erocksmash]

You absolutely can shoot the dog(s) here in Fla... if another dog is attacking my dog on my property... your darn tooting I'm going to shoot the aggressive dog until it tucks tail or is deceased and not a single thing will come of it... happens a lot out in my parts... I don't venture out side with out some kind of firearm...

 

[transit]

I think people may be overthinking this.

If a dog attacked a police officer, would he shoot it? Certainly.

Using a firearm against an attacking animal isn't "deadly physical force." DPF is about physical force, used in a manner which is readily capable of causing serious physical injury or death (of a person) -emphasis mine.

When we euthanize an animal, it is not considered DPF. When we shoot a vicious dog, it is not considered DPF.

You couldn't just shoot a person who shoved you and kicked your dog. You can absolutely shoot a dog who attacks you and your dog on the street.

Do you have to? No. Can you? Sure. Could that dog's owner sue you for destroying his property? Sure. Could you be arrested for murder? Of course not.

 

[Doug M.]

Any dog that is attacking my dog will be responded to by me. Much of time time, I am wearing boots. A 6' 225 lb, muscular male with 11 EE boots is not a small amount of force. I am then in fear of GBH (anyone who thinks that is not GBH is a fool). I have had bigger dogs most of my life; one had to be walked in a muzzle because he did not like strangers and some folks wanted to pet him anyway, and too many windowlickers wear headphones in public and pay not attention. What I will do for myself and address the consequences later is my decision only and may not work for you. I work in the system; know how to express the threat to myself, and am not afraid of a major league battle in the courtroom. I've been a trial lawyer for much of my professional career and have no problem with doing harsh things to opponents who get stupid with me. [ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oo9buo9Mtos"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oo9buo9Mtos[/ame]. I am not paid or inclined to make people happy.

Invisible fences are clownshoes all the way. They will not stop your motivated dog from getting out (example above); will likely stop your dog from returning to your property, and will not protect your dog from roaming dogs or wildlife.

 

[dr. mordo]

Would I kill a dog attacking mine?

Yes.

 

[balin]

I have seen this scenario more then once come up in the news paper and the shooter was never charged with a crime. A couple months ago my neighbors pitbull ran out the unlocked gate and attacked a man and larger dog. I called the police reported it. When the officer arrived I explained the situation needed to be settled as I didn't want to have to take actions in the future such a having to shoot the dog if it happened to me. And he said that he would have no problem with me doing that. And didn't warn me not to.

 

[minconrevo]

Pepper spray MAY work on an aggressive dog. It did on the last one that was trying to get too close while snarling. Often I see folks out for a walk carrying a golf club. Doesn't particularly look like a weapon, which is a good thing. Another dog deterrent trick is to carry a closed umbrella. Suddenly popping that thing open in the dog's face will bamboozle them. A stout golf umbrella is good for other things, like replacing the golf club.

The rare case of an attack by a pack of feral dogs is another matter. One is in a heap of trouble if they corner you. Subduing the alpha may work or not.

 

[transit]

The bottom line is that if your dog, any dog, is loose in public, you are in the wrong.

Only VERY specific dogs are free to move about off lead. -And their handlers are completely responsible for them at all times.

The notion of "You can't use DPF to defend property (-your own dog) kind of falls apart when we're talking about shooting another attacking dog (-which is itself only "property".)

Use your head. Use your experience (if you have any.) Use your training (if you have any.)

The bottom line is that you do not ever have to allow yourself, or your dog (your property) to be injured (damaged) on the street. Ever.

If you're walking your Rottweiler and a Chihuahua comes running out from someone's backyard, it's probably best not to shoot it.

-Punt it back across the lawn? Absolutely.

If you're walking your medium sized dog and another medium sized dog attacks you on the sidewalk, and a bit of retreating doesn't work?

Put that attacker down.

Try to avoid it. If you can't, then do it.

If you don't have the stomach for it, then don't carry.

You (or your property) is/are not expected, or required to be bitten by a strange dog while moving about in public.

This thread reads like madness to me. You can shoot most men who attack you on the street. Loose dogs?!?!

 

[fatcat3]

I don't know the laws of your state or care what they are in mine. If something/someone attacks me or mine you get what you get. I'll worry about the consequences later.

 

[JDBoardman]

If another dog attacks mine, it is dead meat.

 

[rosewood]

I carry my pistol, S&W expandable baton and flashlight (if after dark) anytime I am out walking. The pistol is for 2 legged predators, the baton is for the 4 legged. Pretty sure a rap on the head of any 4 legged predator will solve the problem without having to explain why I discharged a handgun.

Rosewood

 

[wingriderz]

Yes and life long Florida Boy here. I would have dropped before they got my dog or me

 

[ladder13]

One of my neighbors was set upon by a loose dog owned by a family that recently moved into our community. I guess he thought is was ok to let the dog roam since he lived on one of the cul de sacs and thought his dog wouldn’t stray.
John was alert, and managed to get inside his garage quickly. The newbie got a letter from the HOA and the police were notified.
I heard the dog hasn’t been seen lately.

 

[Old Arkansawyer]

Back in the 70's when I lived in Oklahoma and was in the cattle business
I came home one day looked out in my pasture and 3 dogs where chasing a calf.
One had it by the tail and the other two were biting at
it. I drove my pickup as fast as possible to get closer. Dogs ran for
cover and I chased. About 1/2 mile down the road they made to get under
their yard fence at which time I put a 30-06 round into the tail biter. When
I got home I called the owner and left a message telling him what I had
done. Never heard back, but no more dog trouble.
So as to the OP's question, shoot them as fast as possible.

 

[Ed Fowler]

#1 When you discharge a firearm you are responsible for that projectile until it stops moving. As a cop twice I covered incidents where a kid was shot when the first target was the kids dog. None were killed but they were lucky.
#2 Every dog knows what a stick is for and is easily deterred with a simple shovel handle or heavy duty cane. The collapsible batons are a joke, may work good until you try to stab with one and they fold up, at least that is my experience. A baton is best when used as a saber first then a club second.

 

[rosewood]

The collapsible batons are a joke, may work good until you try to stab with one and they fold up, at least that is my experience. A baton is best when used as a saber first then a club second.

Let someone jab you with mine. You won't call it a joke then. You have to smack it hard on the concrete to close it up.

I don't jab with it anyway, you swing with it and it don't give when you do.

Rosewood

 

[Watchdog]

The bottom line is that if your dog, any dog, is loose in public, you are in the wrong.

Only VERY specific dogs are free to move about off lead.

Poppycock.

 

[Protected One]

Agree with the above, but pepper gel comes in easy to carry and use containers. Another alternative short of deadly force and its consequences.

Yeah, I tried that on a rotwilder that attacked when I was working for a utility. Gave him a facefull. It didn't work. Thank God for the 'hotstick' I had with me.

With that experience in mind, I would use the most likely "fight finisher" I have (my handgun) in such a situation.