My question involves criminal law for the state of: Washington.
A 60 ish pound dog has been in my yard everyday for 4 months. I live in a rural area. This dog has chased my girlfriend out of our yard. It has also prevented my neighbor from getting to her mailbox. The dog was believed to be a stray.
One morning I took my chihuahua puppy out to go potty. The dog came out of the woods running toward my dog. I scooped up my dog and put him inside the door that was 5 feet away. I keep a rifle at that door, so I reached in and grabbed it, and turned back towards the attacking dog. When I raised the rifle, the dog changed course, but kept coming. Even yelling at it did not deter it. I shot the dog in the chest it turned and ran into the woods. I called 911. The sheriff came and told me that the dog made it home and died on its porch.
Now I am facing felony charges and a lawsuit, fr protecting my family. Any information to help is greatly appreciated.

