Iowa Man Shoots Lunging Dog In Self-Defense

posted on March 29, 2017

A man walking his dogs in a quiet Des Moines neighborhood was threatened by two other dogs roaming freely in the streets. Fortunately, he had a license to carry.

According to police, the victim unsuccessfully attempted to frighten the dogs away. Then one of the dogs, a large St. Bernard, began growling—and then lunged. As the dog bit down on his arm, the man was able to pull a gun from his pocket and shoot toward the charging animal.

Investigators say the dog did not sustain visible injuries, as the rounds from the revolver were “birdshot.” However, the victim suffered broken skin on his left arm and bite holes in his clothing. The St. Bernard’s owner told police his dog was in the back yard at the time of the attack, but a witness who heard the shot said he turned to see the large dog in the street.

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