I would call it murder if someone shot my dog Harm. He is a big friendly Malamute/Husky/Lab mix. I love that dog. He is my protector and my buddy and like my baby. If anyone were to harm him, if I had a gun, I would shoot them. And I don't even like guns.
Murder: To kill (another human) unlawfully. Let's not get carried away. Animals are loving companions and special, but they aren't humans.
I have been in this situation, and I thank God everyday that I am a Christian. I have to remember that "Vengeance is mine, saith the Lord." You dont want to go to prison