When you shoot the dog, if the owner says one word just drop a bullet to the left of him and just change running routes.
Wait, so you are suggesting firing a warning shot in the vicinity of the owner? If so, then you need to clarify this as either a joke, or a sure-fire way of going to jail.
I have to deal with several dogs on my route. I originally carried some 10% OC spray that I got from a cop friend of mine - never had to use it, but I've heard that it's a significant overkill for a dog, in fact borderline animal cruelty. It would requrie a trip to the vet to be washed out. Instead I got a can of HALT dog repellent with is a lower-powered version that the dog can self-decontaminate in about 10 minutes.
If you want to carry a gun, remember several things:
- Check local laws on permits, CHL or CCW etc. If you don't have a permit, and one is required, then it could be a felony to carry in public.
- Some states require you to carry the permit too, so don't forget that.
- If you run with it exposed be sure you are ready to defend from a gun-grab.
- A dog that threatens you an public land is something that you should have the right to stop (check local laws). But don't fire a shot at a dog that is inside it's own property. Maybe dogs will run up to the property line and stop. best to run on the other side of the road as you approach those houses.
- If you shoot a dog then you WILL have to answer for your actions. First to the owner, then the police, then whereever else it goes from there. Have good answers.
- Think about this: Dog runs at you, jumps around side to side. You pull out your weapon, shoot, and miss (and you probably will miss if he's jumping around a lot). Pepper spray wil hit the ground. A bullet will hit the ground and may ricochet back up. You can't issue a stop-payment on a bullet.
If the only tool you have is a hammer, then every problem looks like a nail. Shooting a dog is an extreme measure that should be reserved for an extreme situation. No reason you can't carry Halt! and a pistol. It's easier to justify spraying a dog than shooting it. However if you are getting chased down by a pitbull the he may think pepper spray is nothing more than 'seasoning' as he chows on your leg.
I am a proud supporter to CHL/CCW laws, but you have to understand that it's a uniquie responsibility, and a liability. The difference between a cop shaking your hands, or putting cuffs on them, can be the slightest technicality. Did the dog step onto public land? Can you prove it? Did the bullet boucne up and enter a house? Were you REALLY in danger? You know that firing a gun on or over a roadway is a HUGE legal no-no, right? Towards an occupied house is worse.
If the cop rolls up and you are standing there having dropped a known vicious rabid pitbull with a single shot that was 50' into public land, and there was no risk of injury from a missed shot... Then the cop will pat you on the back.
If the cop rolls up and you are standing there after having FINALLY hit Mr Fluffles, the Blind old Bichon, with your 17th shot (the rest missed), before the dog even made it to the edge if it's property, and there are 16 ricocheted bulletholes in the daycare center behind it... Well, then you're gonna be getting patted on the back by a large and overly-friendly cellmate called Bubba. Your running training will come in handy here.
