[MineralMan]

"I can however guarantee that if you lived in my town and shot Pooh because he wandered into your yard you would immediately be arrested and face a hefty civil suit from me when you got out."

Not a chance. "Officer, this dog came into my yard, and when I approached it, it growled, bared its teeth and looked like it was going to attack. For my own safety and for the safey of my family, I felt it necessary to shoot it."

Don't be silly. The same argument would work in your civil suit. Each of us, on our own property, is entitled to defend ourself against attack by animals. You wouldn't stand a chance.

Again, however, the solution is simple. As long as your dog does not enter my yard, it will be safe. All you have to do is to obey the laws which require your animal to be under control at all times.

[ModernDayCato]

Okay...I set you up on that one. I said 'in my town.' The Police Chief and second-in-command are both very good friends of mine and have known Pooh since he was a puppy. Do I need to spell it out?

And as far as the civil suit is concerned, those same two guys would testify that you were in absolutely no danger. As long as you are willing to accept the consequences of your actions I still respect them -- and I will respect them when I'm moving into your house.

Of course, your last paragraph is true and accurate, and is the real problem here.