My neighbor has a pitt bull...a mean nasty pitt bull. In most instances I don't see these "vicious" dogs as much of a threat as long as I don't go into their yard looking for trouble, which I don't
This particular pitt, however, has killed in the past...unprovoked. My other neighbor (on the other side of me, yes I'm sandwiched in between these guys) had owned some rabbits. The rabbits were kept outside in cages. The cages were the pretty standard small animal/rodent cages. One day while running loose, the pitt bull managed to get one cage open and killed one of their rabbits. Why the dog wasn't put down then, I don't know, and it's not really any of my business, it's between them and I try to stay out of it.
This is where it becomes my business. The pitt bull routinely trys to attack me, my wife, and my dog, while we are on our own property. My dog is about 1/4 the size of the pitt. He's a cross between a cocker spaniel and a cavalier king charles. He wouldn't stand a chance against that pitt bull. The pitt bull is typically on one of those leashes that anchors into the ground, but can get within inches of our property. Whenever the pitt bull is outside and I have to let my dog out, I bring my S&W M&P.40 with me for fear of the pitt getting loose and attacking. So, here's the real meat of my question: When is it okay to shoot? Indiana state law allows me to shoot in defense of life or property. So, if the pitt gets loose and is charging me, my wife, my dog, etc would it be a clean shoot? Or should I wait until there is actual physical contact? Being as the dog has killed before I am inclined to shoot prior to it locking it's jaws around my dog, or me or my wife as the case may be. I understand that varying states have varying laws, but was wondering if anyone has any insight or advice as it relates to Indiana.
Thanks in advance
This particular pitt, however, has killed in the past...unprovoked. My other neighbor (on the other side of me, yes I'm sandwiched in between these guys) had owned some rabbits. The rabbits were kept outside in cages. The cages were the pretty standard small animal/rodent cages. One day while running loose, the pitt bull managed to get one cage open and killed one of their rabbits. Why the dog wasn't put down then, I don't know, and it's not really any of my business, it's between them and I try to stay out of it.
This is where it becomes my business. The pitt bull routinely trys to attack me, my wife, and my dog, while we are on our own property. My dog is about 1/4 the size of the pitt. He's a cross between a cocker spaniel and a cavalier king charles. He wouldn't stand a chance against that pitt bull. The pitt bull is typically on one of those leashes that anchors into the ground, but can get within inches of our property. Whenever the pitt bull is outside and I have to let my dog out, I bring my S&W M&P.40 with me for fear of the pitt getting loose and attacking. So, here's the real meat of my question: When is it okay to shoot? Indiana state law allows me to shoot in defense of life or property. So, if the pitt gets loose and is charging me, my wife, my dog, etc would it be a clean shoot? Or should I wait until there is actual physical contact? Being as the dog has killed before I am inclined to shoot prior to it locking it's jaws around my dog, or me or my wife as the case may be. I understand that varying states have varying laws, but was wondering if anyone has any insight or advice as it relates to Indiana.
Thanks in advance