Location: PA, US
Random thought I had after I heard someone tell me about how an old partner would kick their dog when it annoyed them – if the owner was to haul off and lay them out after witnessing this would that be qualified as self defense or something along those lines or could they be charged with assault? Do pet owners have a right to use force to protect their pets?
Comments
> if the owner was to haul off and lay them out after witnessing this would that be qualified as self defense or something along those lines
No. That would be assaulting them in retaliation.
>or could they be charged with assault?
Yes.
Just so you know that pet is property and any self defense claim would need to be based on the laws in your jurisdiction for defense of property. And that is NOT going to include after the fact retaliation.