I think you did the right thing considering it was a populated area. If it were out in the country and no one was around I would have went for it. I know it sucks to see an animal suffer, but sometimes you have to think about what's best for you and your family. With that many people around, I am sure some tree hugging bunny lovin' mom would have threw a fit. Then you would have been screwed. Like the officer said, he may not have had a problem with it, but if someone complains or wants to press charges he does not have a choice. That is his job. Among the various things they could site you with, like edangering the public, and illegally discharging a fire arm. You would have most likely lost you concealed carry permit, and possibly had to forfit your weapon. Not worth the risk in my opinion. It sucks that the world has come to this, but it has. So I guess we just have to learn to deal with and move on.

Paul