On the other side, in Wisconsin, it's illegal for a civilian to shoot at any free running dog; short of personal attack by the animal I would guess.

dogs can be shot by anyone in WI as long as dog is threatening serious bodily damage and other means of deterrent have been tried and failed OR immediate solution is required.
This also goes for dogs harming/damaging domestic animals.

so a dog attacking your chickens is Ok to be shot.

The guy knew it was a neighbor kid's pet. What was the point of shooting it? Was it attacking him or attacking anyting? It doesn't sound like it was. It sounds like the guy was a loser ahole with a mean streak.

The dog should have been under the owners' control and not allowed to roam but that shouldn't mean a death sentence.

In Pennsylvania it is illegal to shoot free-running dogs unless they are attacking you, another person, your domestic animal or wildlife.

None of that appears to be the case here. just a loser being an ahole. I hope he pays dearly both within and outside the constraints of the law.

I agree, BUT, how many time would YOU pick up a dumped over trash can before you started keeping the .22 by the door. Everybody has their own breaking point.

Unless he shot you too. Best to keep a cool head. Had a guy get paralyzed and one go to jail over a dog in this area several years ago. Ruined two lives forever over a dog.

Dirty D, not sure chickens qualify as domestic animals, chickens would probably be viewed as livestock, which are not covered under 'paragraph b' of the statute. But it is an argument that you could attempt. I would ask for clarification from your local enforcement agency, as they would be the referring agency. If you're in the urban environment with your 4 or 6 chickens, not sure how that plays out; but, I bet there is a firearm discharge ordinance in place for those circumstances.