Living alone in the country it's necessary along with a shot gun for safety of me & my dogs. One shot scares away a pack of coyotes. Also sick or suffering wild animals, a shot is the most humane way because vets won't touch wild animals & wild animal rehab is not allowed to have what it takes to put an injured animal to sleep.

Sheriff response time is not good enough in an emergency for me to depend on if I really needed them.