Full question:
I ride my bike several miles each day. On a nearly daily basis I am chased by dogs. I would like to know if it is legal for me to carry an air powered or CO2 Powered air pistol to defend myself from a dog that is threatening me?
- Category: Animals
- Date:
- State: California
Answer:
Local laws vary. I suggest calling the local animal warden. The following is a CA statute:
31101. Any dog which is found running at large without the
identification tag or dog license tag which is required pursuant to
Section 30951 may be seized and impounded by any peace officer.
31102. Except in an area in which the provisions of Article 2
(commencing with Section 31151) of this chapter apply or as otherwise
provided in Section 31104, any person may kill any dog in any of the
following cases:
(a) The dog is found in the act of killing, wounding, or
persistently pursuing or worrying livestock or poultry on land or
premises which are not owned or possessed by the owner of the dog.
(b) The person has such proof as conclusively shows that the dog
has been recently engaged in killing or wounding livestock or poultry
on land or premises which are not owned or possessed by the dog's
owner.
No action, civil or criminal, shall be maintained for the killing
of any such dog.
31103. Except in an area in which the provisions of Article 2
(commencing with Section 31151) of this chapter apply or as otherwise
provided in Section 31104, any dog entering any enclosed or
unenclosed property upon which livestock or poultry are confined may
be seized or killed by the owner or tenant of the property or by any
employee of the owner or tenant. No action, civil or criminal, shall
be maintained against the owner, tenant, or employee for the seizure
or killing of any such dog.
31104. The provisions of Sections 31102 and 31103 shall not apply
to any dog which is inside the corporate limits of any city, or city
and county, or to any dog which is under the reasonable control of
his owner or keeper, unless the dog is actually caught in the act or
worrying, wounding, chasing, or killing any livestock or poultry.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.
