On the side I teach philosophy and ethics.
Most of our dogs can and will defend our property and our lives.
They usually give us unconditional love.
But when it comes down to it, Fido is just a dog. He has a 6-12 year life span. When fido dies, several family members and a couple of community folks miss him.
But just consider the ripples to a family if you actually shot a man for a dog.
Again, we have the choice. in these situations, we usually don't have a choice. Fido is the first line of defense. he willfully gives his life. And so do many fine K9 dogs. To save the life of their human handler. It's not really hard to train into them.
But we as human have to consider the consequences. If the burglar kills your dog in front of your bedroom and you confront him and he is armed, then you may have an argument of a serous threat to life, he killed the dog, you're next. Then it could be legally and morally justified.
But if you find the dog shot or dead and the burglar is leaving your property, a citizen arrest is warranted. beleive me, many hardcore criminals despise anyone who is cruel to animals.
That bad guy will get what he deserves in prison. many states actively prosecute. Call the Human Society and you have a good case to lock that fellow up for a good year or two if not more. may qualify as a felon if he was trespassing, broke into your house, and threatened you with a weapon. It can add up.
Now if the bad guy is not near or in your house, you may have the duty to retreat, even if he killed your dog. Because not everybody owns dogs and loves animals. You have to show that you acted reasonably when concluding that he was a serious threat and you had to shoot him. Near the fenceline, back of the yard, not going to cut it.
if you dog lunged at him and burst through the screen door on a farm property, you 'd know he was up to no good and perhaps deadly force would be warranted.
Again, if the lives of any of your human family members are seriously threatened and the bad guy has killed your dog, you have the right of self defense. Just make sure your shooting is to protect your family - not just the dog.
It all depends. Just be sure. There is no undo in a shooting scenario.and even if you are justified, you can still lose your house in paying for criminal defense attorneys if your insurance policy has no such self defense coverage.
It's really a lot to consider.
And I hope I never have to choose.