Austin Criminal Defense Lawyer

Texas governor Rick Perry was jogging back in February when he shot a coyote with his .380 Ruger. Perry holds a concealed handgun license and claims that he takes the gun with him on jogs to protect himself against snakes. The governor reports that the coyote was acting in a threatening manner toward his dog.

The city of Austin has ordinances against discharging firearms within the city limits, as well as against hunting coyotes and other fur-bearing animals. However, a spokesman for the Austin police department has stated that since Perry’s actions were in self-defense, he will not be charged with a crime. State law allows for a person to shoot a coyote if it is threatening a human, livestock, or other domesticated animal.

Over 755 coyote sightings have been reported within the city limits since January of last year. This is the first reported incident of a person shooting and killing a coyote within the city limits.

If you have been charged with carrying an unlawful weapon or another gun-related crime, contact Austin unlawful weapons lawyer Ian Inglis by calling 512-472-1950.