This got me thinking that if you defended yourself, and you were charged for shooting the gun, the charge would be a preemption law violation. In other words the state says you can defend yourself and shoot the dog. The PD says you cant. The state law trumps the local law. IANAL



Quote Originally Posted by Daycrawler View Post
If this law is still current here is the section to take to your lawyer.


Pennsylvania Statutes Title 3 P.S. Agriculture § 459-501 § 459-501. Killing dogs;  dogs as nuisances
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(a) Legal to kill certain dogs.--Any person may kill any dog which he sees in the act of pursuing or wounding or killing any domestic animal, wounding or killing other dogs, cats or household pets, or pursuing, wounding or attacking human beings, whether or not such a dog bears the license tag required by the provisions of this act.  There shall be no liability on such persons in damages or otherwise for such killing.
(b) Private nuisance.--Any dog that enters any field or enclosure where domestic animals are confined, provided that the enclosure is adequate for the purpose intended, shall constitute a private nuisance, and the owner or tenant of such field, or their agent or servant, may detain such dog and turn it over to the local police authority or State dog warden or employee of the department.  While so detained, the dog shall be treated in a humane manner.
(c) Licensed dogs not included.--Licensed dogs, when accompanied by their owner or handler, shall not be included under the provisions of this section unless caught in the act of pursuing, wounding or killing any domestic animal, wounding or killing any dogs, cats or household pets, or pursuing, wounding or attacking human beings.


IMO you don't need to be bitten before defending yourself or your children. IANAL