I am curious about when i can defend myself from a dog attack. I live in Pennsylvania so I am kind of looking for information pertaining to my state. My example is I was walking my dog in a local cemetery which is a popular place to walk dogs. I saw a person walking their dog on another path maybe 40 or so yards away. That persons dog became excited at seeing me and my dog and started jumping, barking, growling and pulling on it’s leash. My dog was like yeah, ok, whatever and went about it’s business. A short time later we were both on a different path walking towards each other. I sat down and had my dog sit to let this other person and their dog get by. His dog acted extremely aggressive jumping and pulling at his leash same as earlier (the leash looked like a length of rope with a loop tied in the end and threaded like a choker chain). This person was having difficulty controlling their dog. My question is, if that dog got loose and attacked me and my dog while my dog is still leashed and under control would it be legal to defend myself and my dog with my licensed firearm. Just to be clear, I love dogs, All dogs. Last thing in the world I want to do is hurt one. Just want to make a final point. I have owned big dogs for over thirty years. at one point I had four at one time, so I know from experience what a serious dog fight can look like and what the results can be Thankfully no dog fatality’s but a fair number of stitches. I’m no expert by any means but i do have experience with breaking up dog fights.
Where I live, a dog can be considered a threat to you and yours, so any self defense would be justified. Like you though, I abhor the thought of hurting any dog. If it comes to my life, or my dogs life I would be legal in my reaction, as much as I would hate it. I lived in PA in Armstrong county for over a year, and y’all’s laws are very “strange” to me. Lol. Hope that helps.
A friend had a similar experience but with an unleashed dog. She used her baton, end of attack. No firearm discharge, no police intervention, just an angry owner over the deceased dog. Which I should add was large and aggressive.
Wow! a baton? She must have a swing like a pro baseball player. A pity about the dog though. If the owner of the unleashed dog had any sense he would have had his dog under the control of a leash. KInda proves the point that there are no bad dogs, just bad owners.
I agree. When I am walking my dog I always have a canister of pepper spray. Like any responsible gun owner, my firearm is a last resort.
True however not the whole story. In wisconsin most aeras have leash laws, must be licensed, tagged for shots. Dogs are property so if a dog attacks fluffy be aware of that. Pepper spray or rod works most of the time.
Believe me I would sooner use a non lethal method such as pepper spray or a baton. Like I stated in an earlier post. I have owned this particular breed of large dogs for thirty years at least. I would sooner use the pepper spray on the irresponsible owner than the dog.
I always use Kung Fu to defend against dog attacks. Wing Chun
Before I became a serious dog owner four years ago, I viewed every big dog as a potential threat.
My sweet labrabull looks menacing when she sees another dog or cat. She was cute when she acted like that at 15 lbs.
but she’s 70 lbs. now so I’m always complying with CA leash laws.
A couple of months ago, while I was walking my dog, 2 little rat dogs came running at my dog. I stepped in front of my dog which stopped one but the other I had to give a shove with my foot before it turned away. I really didn’t want to have to draw on them but if a strong kick after the first shove didn’t work that was the next possible response.
Yes, you can use reasonable force to protect yourself and your property. Under the laws of most states, animals are considered property. Shooting an attacking animal is not using deadly force against a person.
Hey @MikeBKY you sure it was a shove or a swift kick. Was the dog yelping after that maneuver. 
It really was just a light push to start. The thing wasn’t 10 pounds and I didn’t want to hurt it but was ready to punt it if needed.
oh man I can picture that because honestly @MikeBKY I love my dog and if you mess with my dog you mess with me. Nuff said.
Now there’s a story. Lawyer punts vicious feral slipper dog. Saves his dog from atttackers. Hero saves the day. (Can’t help myself some days)
Hey, Hey. That little mini pooch could have killed Mike BKY’s dog. It could have gotten stuck in his dogs throat.
I saw Kevin michaelowski’s video on the topic. That’s when I started carrying OC spray.
@John509 > do you think it’s
Appropriate for dogs to defecate in a cemetery where peoples loved ones are Buried 
Get some pepper spray and maybe find a better place to take your dog for a walk.
( no offense )
@MikeBKY >> [quote=“MikeBKY, post:12, topic:41662, full:true”]
A couple of months ago, while I was walking my dog, 2 little rat dogs came running at my dog. I stepped in front of my dog which stopped one but the other I had to give a shove with my foot before it turned away. I really didn’t want to have to draw on them but if a strong kick after the first shove didn’t work that was the next possible response.
Yes, you can use reasonable force to protect yourself and your property. Under the laws of most states, animals are considered property. Shooting an attacking animal is not using deadly force against a person.
[/quote]
Can a lawyer defend him self in court if not you better get one cause if you shoot a doggie your going to the pound.
There is an old saying in the legal system that says the lawyer who represents himself has a fool for a client!