[MRM]

Jim, there is an actual answer to your question, and I happen to know what it is. First, from a criminal perspective, the dog shooter probably committed two crimes, at least one of which is a felony. Discharge of a firearm within the city limits and discharge of a firearm within a certain distance of residences are both almost certainly felonies. Second, shooting a dog that is just roaming as oposed to chasing down livestock or attacking a human, is probably animal cruelty. That may be a felony as well. In Minnesota it wouldn't be, but the firing of the shotgun in a residential neighborhood would be. If you look, I'll bet you'll also find a rule saying that anyone can shoot a roaming dog if the dog is chasing deer or harassing wildlife, but not otherwise. So first stop should be the local police to see about getting the neighbor who is a little too handy with a shotgun charged. I am as big of a gun lover as anyone, but shooting dogs in people's yards is the height of irresponsible gun ownership. He's not just irresponsible; he's dangerous.

On a civil front, he is liable for the value of the dog and/or the medical expenses incurred. That's it. No pain and suffering, not lost companionship. They might be able to get punitive damages, depending on your local jurisdiction, but ordinarily civil damages for the dog will be capped at the vet bills made necessary by the injury, plus the fair market value of the dog if it dies.

As a side note, shotgun neighbor isn't too good with the thing if he barely hits a dog at that distance. Better not take him bird hunting.