I would have no problem with violence against someones pet if it became necessary. If they cared about their pet, it would not be out in the street to begin with. I rarely have any issues with dogs but when i have, if I can not out run it, I use the stop and put the bike between myself and the dog thing, it has worked every time, but if it fails, I will put the dog down. I am one of those who does ride armed. I use a bellyband holster. I have two dogs of my own, but I take care of them, I do not set them up for failure... if one were to get out and bother folks and someone harmed them in self defense, I would consider it my fault.