[recycled sixtie]

The thing is when a dog runs at you you don't exactly know if the dog is friendly or not.
Kicking the dog or hitting it with a stick could harm a dog but if the dog is loose that is the risk a dog owner takes. A preemptive strike on a dog as it runs at you? I am not sure how that would hold up in court?

I have been bitten several times but usually don't get a chance at a preemptive strike.
I think in the US the one bitten would get more sympathy in court but in Canada who knows.