Funny you should say that but I was wrestling with my dog and bit his ear, not hard just a play bite.
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I never been bit by a dog yet but I have always said if one do bite me I will bite it back.
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Already ran this by the USCCA Legal Department. And I’m in the right to share as well. Unfortunately there’s a few dog owners in my area whom have had to learn the hard way for being too aggressive. Not long ago I had to use an air pistol [[[[Umarex T4E TR50 Revolver which fires rubber bullets]]]]. Being cheap at only $99 they are a solid self defense measure.
Of course the dog owner cried foul after seeing their dog run home and called law enforcement. What they didn’t know is I had already approached law enforcement and told them there’s a problem with aggressive dogs and people in my neighborhood. And, I was tired of being chased or threatened and at times living in fear to walk the streets of my own neighborhood. They confirmed this air pistol [[[[Umarex T4E TR50 Revolver]]]] is not a fire arm so long as it’s not used as a weapon as an act of aggression. Much like a stun gun or mace. And this holds well even under aggressive anti-2nd-Amendment laws.
Law enforcement was able to confirm on my video camera their dogs were way to close and acting aggressive. So the dog owners complaint was dismissed. I can now walk my streets & neighbors have also thanked me for taking proper action.
FYI - Umarex T4E TR50 Revolver comes with rubber bullets & leave a hefty welt on flesh. But no permanent harm is done. So they are way more effective than pepper spray or mace in an attack. And deliver protective measure up to 50 feet away. No pepper spray or mace on the market is effective at even 1/3 that distance. Those pistols arrive at 350 FPS but can be augmented to 600+ FPS. Rubber and steel ammo can be used as well.
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@Jeff66,
An air pistol seems like a good plan and non lethal can also be used on a human attacker.
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I would attempt less than lethal options first if facing a dog attack. If I’m out walking I have OC spray and a handgun. A swift kick or two, OC or bear spray works. I am not opposed to lethal force as a last resort. I used to do alot of horseback riding in rural areas, dirt roads, trails, state parks. Without fail we would always have trouble with dogs. I carried a crowd control size canister of OC in a bag on my saddle horn. I hosed many dogs as they jumped at my horse. 100% effective! Better to be hit with OC than a metal covered horse hoof.
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What are the legal consequences of using non-lethal force, like pepper spray? If the guy at the boat dock had sprayed the dogs instead of shooting them, the whole situation perhaps could have been avoided.
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Life is made up of many compromises. I have a duty belt with a full size firearm with 2 spare mags, pepper, collapsible baton, a kubaton and a taser. When I walk my dog in a t-shirt and shorts, that armament is reduced to a compact firearm and 1 spare mag. If there is an attack and yelling, stomping or good kick won’t resolve it, the next option is the firearm.
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Interesting - I didn’t realize an ostrich, emu or rhea are domestic 
Back to the original question:
In most states, pets are property not people, so you might not be able to defend them. Now if they’re being attacked near you, there could be just cause as you could argue the vicious animal may come after you next as you’re in close proximity.
Definitely check out your local laws. (Reciprocity Map)
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Thank you @Dawn for the research. Have a blessed day. 
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I really want to thank everyone in the community who responded so far to the topic which I posted. Great conversation and a lot was learned. I never expected it to go this long but hey good responses. There were no right or wrong answers just every one has their own perspective and opinion.
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@Dawn I thought about that also that if you have a small dog being attacked by a larger dog and you pick him up to avoid it the larger dog can turn on you and that changes things.
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Thanks for giving us something to think about and allowing it to play out in our own way. You presented a problem and allowed us each to answer without judgement.
Stay safe out there.
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GREAT comment!!! 
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This happened to me. I was walking my two miniature dachshunds down a county road near my land when 4 large lab sized dogs came over 125 yards into the road and started growling and circling us. I was in immediate fear of the attack they were starting and shot one. We have county leash laws. Result was the county deputy telling the owner “So, it is not illegal for him to fire a gun in the county” and leaving and the animal control officer offering to fine him $1,000.00 per dog for the attack. I told him we could let it go. I and the dogs have walk the road since with no issues. In a Stand your Ground State you have the right to defend yourself and your property. Another quote from the deputy.
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Hello Jeff and welcome to the community. Thank you for sharing your story. It’s too bad that you had to defend yourself against an attack from one of the dogs. I have some questions please:
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Did the dog that you were forced to shoot end up dying?
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Did the Deputy who made the comments to you ever cite you or were charges ever brought against you?
Thanks, stay safe out there.
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It died Instantly. I had three more to defend against and they left. No charges or calls or questions of any kind. He first stated that he had no jurisdiction over this matter. It was stand your ground. The deputy left and he last statement to me “have a nice day”
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Thanks Jeff. I appreciate the reply. I own dogs like you do. I love all dogs but I recognize the fact that they can become killing machines with teeth. I commend you for defending yourself and your pets.
Stay safe out there.
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Welcome to the family brother @Jeff163 and god bless you.
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This is definitely hard, because most of us do look at our pets as family, but the law doesn’t always see it that way. I don’t have much to offer other than what my neighbor does.
She carries pepper spray while walking her dog. It is a small can of OC spray that goes on her wrist. It may not be as effective as a firearm, but it could do enough to be able to get away.
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I use my .38 revolver, with the first shot snakeshot. I don’t want to kill pets or people, unless I have to. With that in mind, after using the first round, the second .38 self defense round is only a squeeze away.
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