Dog Shot Outside City Limits
By: Stephanie Berzinski
Updated: September 10, 2009
A Lubbock County man shot and killed a dog he claims had been roaming the neighborhood and he felt was a threat to his family. It happened Tuesday in West Lubbock, near 3rd Street and Quincy. But now the question is was his action legal? Using his small caliber gun, Lonnie Keith shot and killed one of three dogs that roamed onto his property. Keith said he tried to scare them away ... But was forced to shoot after one lunged at him.
Lubbock county sheriff's officials say Keith had every right. "Under the health and safety code the state law provides that a property owner can protect their property whether it's a domestic animal or a human life," said Major Cody Scott. Since Keith lives just outside the city limits shooting the dog was legal. But Major Scott warns gun laws within the city differ. Except in extreme situations, you could be charged with discharging a firearm. He recommends any dangerous animal situation be reported to the Sheriff's deparment and handled by officials first.
