Thank you for all of your viewpoints on this volatile issue.
Several of my staff have been able to get friendly with this animal, but when they go to the next step of trying to place a rope/chain on the dog's collar, he reacts negatively.
I am certain that it IS someone's pet, and I do not wish to destroy it, but my first responsibility is to my residents.
I do have the pepper spray, and a broom, and a commanding voice, and unpoisoned meat and a .357, and a 12guage. I do consider things a great deal prior to acting on anything. Each of these tools are available to me for the proper use in the particular situation that arises.
I was simply asking if, given the circumstances, I needed to bring an inexpensive gun, just in case the police wish to impound the one that I use, should the need arise. Merely a procedural question.
The route that we are currently pursuing involves a canine trap that the dog-catcher is going to provide. Also, one of my employees thinks that she knows where this dog's owner lives. So I plan to go to his/her home in a few minutes and explain the situation to them.