One of the many reasons I don't want to ever live in the US is the tendency of its citizens to resolve disputes by reaching for firearms and this comment has done little to dissuade me of that fact.

A dog can be under control on the lead and off the lead, it depends on the dog. If you've got some goofy fur babies that will maim Turkeys and it runs off to maim said Turkeys then you are responsible. I suspect this is more important in the countryside than in Central Park - but yes, the point is well made.

These aren't really crocodile tears that I'm crying. I suspect if someone wanted to shoot my dog I'd likely punch them too. Then the whole thing defaults to the courtroom. In that instance, the question being asked is 'are the actions of these people reasonable and proportionate?' and that's an important question to ask.

If my dog is unleashed and standing beside me and you shoot it because you have sheep in a field half a mile away, that's not reasonable or proportionate. If it's neck deep in the carcass of lambs then it absolutely is. Is it reasonable and proportionate to punch an old woman who loves to give dogs bits of food because it brings her great joy in her old age and loneliness... not really. Is it reasonable and proportionate to punch a man who has threatened you and then attempted to feed your dog. I think so.

The laws do apply.... but these have to be balanced. The correct response is to ask the police to enforce the law more tightly. A quick google search has told me that it's illegal to practice the occult arts in Oregan, that doesn't give me the right to shoot anyone who looks like they're going for a tarot deck. :o)