[Venturer]

I came home from Church a few weeks ago, and the neighbor’s pit bull was loose and wouldnt let me out of my car. a week later loose again , went in my garage and wouldn’t leave, threatened me, I went to the neighbor, He was apologetic and got the dog . Now three times he has gotten loose I wnet to the neighbor again, he claimed another dog taught his to get out of the fence. Day before yesterday the dog ran my wife home from the mailbox. I called animal control. Made out a complaint. The dog’s owner got a warning, and another neighbor told me he was loose yesterday and wouldnt let her out of her house.

I am one inch from solving the problem permanently, but wondering what my legal standing is if I shoot the dog in my yard.

[Chet 99]

[Pearls Before Swine]

I’d say a lot depends on what state you live in, local law enforcement attitudes, and how crazy your neighbor is. Getting a dangerous animal complaint on record (get the neighbors to do it, too) seems like a good start if more dramatic action is required in the future.

[Boxsford]

I think you've been more than patient. That pit bull owner should not be allowed to make excuses about the dog. Bottom line is the owner is responsible no matter what 'another dog taught' his dog. What a lame excuse!
Since the owner got a warning, what happens to the dog/owner when the dog gets out again? (and I'd bet that dog will get out again)

[TigersEye]

Some years ago two large dogs (neither one a pit bull) approached me outside my garage. I yelled at them to 'get out.' They stood their ground and snarled at me. I turned on my heels and promptly retrieved a 12 ga shotgun from my room. When I returned they had both been called down the hill by their master and were jumping in the car with him. Had they still been in my driveway challenging me I would have shot them both master present or not.

FWIW I don't live in an urban neighborhood and there is no law prohibiting the discharging of a firearm but there probably are laws about safely discharging one given the proximity of other houses. That's why I chose a shotgun. It wouldn't have made a difference if they were two human beings either.

[Hetty_Fauxvert]

“...but wondering what my legal standing is if I shoot the dog in my yard.”

It sounds as if that dog is truly dangerous. If I were in your shoes, I’d consult with a lawyer on Tuesday (after the holiday weekend), to find out what my legal options are, and also what an (ahem!) appropriate excuse might be if I did have to shoot the dog ... and then maybe just happen to carry my gun whenever I was outside for a while (if that is legal for you). Better to be “layin’” for a good chance to more-or-less legally put down the dog, than to let it get the drop on you or your wife. Best of luck.

[1COUNTER-MORTER-68]

I am one inch from solving the problem permanently, but wondering what my legal standing is if I shoot the dog in my yard.
~~~
Totally understand,,,

First,,,Check the laws in your state,,,

Second,,,Keep a “paper trail”,,,
(How many times cops were called/etc.),,,

If all else fails just do what you gotta do to keep you

and yours safe from attack...

[TheBattman]

Depends a great deal on where you live. From a moral standpoint, if someone else's dog is on your property, threatening you and your family, you would be completely justified in killing the dog. But you have been far more than patient and "longsuffering", including pursing the legal steps through the system.

At that point, if Animal control doesn't fix the problem, then I would have my handy tool of choice for the job with me every time I exit or return to my home.

If an armed stranger showed up at your house and threatened you, keeping you from entering your house (or exiting, or going in your garage), would you wait patiently? What if you called the police, but the person was gone? How many times must you face this to take the necessary steps?

That's what "friends are for!"