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Most pet parents consider their dog to be part of the family. Therefore, the thought that something bad might happen to it is a horrifying one.
However, the reality is that there are many dangers for dogs out there, and one has to be vigilant to protect their pet. In some cases, the danger actually comes from a bigger and more vicious dog.
Since a lot of people in Missouri have registered firearms in their homes, with some being licensed to carry a gun on their person, the question of whether one has the right to shoot a dog is a relevant one.
At the Powell Law Firm, a team of highly experienced St Louis MO dog bite lawyers, led by Kenny Powell, have many years of experience dealing with personal injury cases related to dog attacks. They can be reached at (314) 470-1374 for a free consultation.
Reasons a Dog Can Be Aggressive
While dogs have different temperaments and tend to react differently to certain situations, most experienced dog owners agree that a well-trained and cared-for dog is unlikely to indiscriminately attack without being provoked.
Having said that, dog attacks do happen, and here are some of the leading reasons why:
Fear, which causes the dog to instinctively attack to protect itself
Confusion, caused by a conflict with people or animals in an unfamiliar way
Defending its family members or a litter of puppies
Food guarding aggression
Irritation, usually from small children pulling and probing the dog
Defending its territory from intruders or other dogs
Dog Attack Statistics in Missouri
The state of Missouri saw more than 2,700 cases of dog bite injuries being reported in 2016. Most injuries were caused by dog breeds that have a reputation for being aggressive towards humans and other dogs.
In the United States, Pitbulls are responsible for the highest number of dog attacks, with statistics showing that the breed has attacked and killed 185 people in the last 10 years.
Why Would a Person Want To Shoot a Dog?
Although it is a very unfortunate thing to shoot someone’s dog, these incidents still happen. Some of the plausible reasons why a person may feel compelled to shoot a dog include:
Defending themselves, their family, or another person from an aggressive dog
Protecting their own dog from being mauled by another dog
The police can shoot a dog that is preventing them from completing their duties
Here Is What the Law Says
In Missouri, a person is allowed to shoot and kill a dog that is attacking their pet. However, the law states that the pets being attacked need to fall under the category of domestic animals, such as dogs.
One thing to be wary of, though, is that if one cannot prove that the dog they shot was attacking their dog, or if the pet is not considered a domestic animal, shooting a dog could easily be considered animal cruelty, which is a Class E felon in Missouri.
Animal cruelty carries a hefty fine that can be as much as $10,000 and may include a four-year jail term. Therefore, while Missouri residents have the legal right to shoot a dog attacking their dog, this should only be the last resort after other measures have been exhausted.
What To Do When a Dog Attacks Your Dog
When dogs fight it can be a terrifying thing to witness. However, all dog owners should
always consider the possibility of such a situation, and be ready to do the following:
They should not panic as this will only increase the aggression in both dogs
One should not try to physically separate them on their own as they may get bitten
The dog owner can try to distract the attacking dog by calling him away from the fight
They can call their own dog away
Both dogs will need to be taken to the vet and the incident reported
Call Powell Law Firm
If one has been attacked by an aggressive dog in Missouri, they have a right to sue the dog owner for personal injury. Even if the victim ended up shooting the other dog to defend themselves and their dog, the law is still on their side.
Contact an experienced lawyer for more legal information regarding specific circumstances such as a slip and fall accident with no witnesses and is it illegal to chain a dog in Missouri.
Victims of dog attacks should book a free consultation with Powell Law Firm to discuss the damages they can be awarded. A team of expert attorneys is just one call away!