"I have no problem with hunting dogs just passing through. 90% of the time that's all they're doing, just passing through and never bother anything on the place. And in turn, I don't bother them. And I have not had any issues with the occasional stray. Generally the stray is by itself and doesn't bother anything.
Walk a mile in someone else's shoes and you may have a different view of things.
Katherine"
There it is though - you just showed common sense. If the animal is not harassing its not a problem. My dogs are primarily inside trained hunting dogs - who could conceivably accidentally get out of the house...it happens. They would never harass a cow or a chicken...if they happened to cross over my neighbors property using the shortcut we use to get to our hunting areas, and someone shot them, I would be beyond mad & upset...that person would rue the day they ever touched, or caused something to touch my dogs.
Its common sense though - if its a problem with the same animal and its in the process of causing the damage, then I see the justification, and I will defend the ranchers actions....when its clearly a trained dog simply passing through or wandering around, and you shoot (like the genius Granny & a few others have said) then you deserve everything you have coming to you. And believe me, if it were coming from me, you would get it (though I would never harm another animal for revenge)
Im so sick of the lack of common sense from everyone in this world. Use common sense, dont paint every person or every animal with a broad brush...address each individual situation as it arises and the world be a better place b/c of your actions. Just use your brain. You dont shoot every person you see b/c they may be a criminal, so you shouldnt shoot every animal you see b/c it may do something wrong. Just use your danged old brain, its not hard. If you cant do that, you dont deserve to even own a weapon.