it is not a felony to kill a dog. if a dog is on the land you are hunting and does not belong to the owners, they can be shot. i have had many dogs ruin hunting days and it has happened this year. the dogs even came and tried to get in my stand with me. they finally ran off but their smell remained in the woods thus no deer.you are correct that it is a touchy subject. i have shot in the area of the dog but never shot one. they should be contained if hunters are in the area.