but I don't think I would have chased them down
I think that statement speaks to the the gist of the discussion. You have a right to make that decision, and if what you would risk by doing so is too high a price for you personally, then obviously you have made the right decision for you.
All rational citizens have certain possessions (be it physical, monetarial, spiritual, emotional) that we do not wish to risk the loss thereof. On the other hand, there are certain boundaries that we do not allow others to cross because that crossing will threaten what is near and dear to us. Trying to stay within a reasonable framework of society, I will not let someone else define for me what I regard as precious and necessary. Neither will I try to define for others what they choose to value and protect - unless their choices conflict with mine.
None of us will live forever; we are only give limited choices of how are small slice of life will be used. We all live and tolerate a certain amount of societal slavery - ie income taxes, property taxes, legal constraints, and on and on. At what point we choose to say enough; I must resist! That moment of decision defines each of us a man. For one moment of his life, this man revealed a portion of what his borders are.
I would not respond very kindly to anyone attacking my family dog. On the other hand, the wife's cats.....................................I'll need to some time to think about that. OK, I've thought about it - just don't leave any evidence of their demise!