If I understand this, you can protect yourself or others against a dog but you can’t protect your dog against a dog, that would be protecting property against property?
That can be a sticky issue. I have seen and heard of many people being hurt when the dog they were walking gets into it with another dog. You can absolutely use reasonable force to protect property! Think about if someone is trying to steal a person’s purse or briefcase. How much force can be used to stop them? The legal answer will always be reasonable force. The differences will likely be if these are in your hand or on your shoulder or sitting on the ground next to you versus away from your body. When they are on you, they are somewhat of an extension of yourself. Holding your dog on a leash is not much different. And, if your dog is being attacked, there is also the problem that you could also be attacked or injured. And, if the dog is running at your dog, it is also running at you. Do you know who the dog is after? If the threat is serious, such as a Mastiff versus a Shih Tzu, I wouldn’t hesitate to take the shot.
I’ve owned dogs most of my life. Most have been bird dogs, but the one today is a toy breed Papillon that was a Christmas gift for my ‘admiral’, but it adopted me. Every dog I have owned has been very well trained. I spend countless hours throughout their life working with them. I’ve little respect for the people who do not take time and make the effort to have a ‘good’ dog. Dogs seem to ‘like’ me, and I’ve been around a number of aggressive ones, but have never suffered a major bite. I consider myself a fair judge of dog body language and try not to push unwanted contact. All that said, I view my dog as extended family. I keep it, even this toy breed, under my direct control. I do so because many people are simply afraid of ANY dog, but mostly I do it to protect the dog. I will defend with whatever force I deem needed. I’ve never had to kill a dog and that includes two pitbulls that Animal Control had asked me to shoot if I encountered them. I instead made friends with the dogs and pinned them up for removal. My rule is don’t allow my dog to start trouble, keep it under direct control, protect as needed. More simply , be responsible.
Also reasonable force is not the same for all people.
Without a doubt @David-65! What is reasonable is based upon all of the facts and circumstances as decided by a jury.