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 regarding the use of weapons for self-defense against dogs. It’s advisable to contact your local animal warden for specific guidance. In California, under certain conditions, you may kill a dog if it is found in the act of attacking livestock or poultry on land not owned by the dog’s owner (Cal. Food & Agric. Code § 31102). However, this does not apply to dogs within city limits or those under the control of their owner unless they are actively causing harm.
In general, you should be cautious about using any weapon, including an air-powered or CO2 pistol, as this may lead to legal consequences. It’s important to understand your local laws before taking any action.
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.