This happens once every couple of years around here, same with the wolves, coyotes, mountain lions, bobcats, feral dogs and even the hawks and eagles (the latter of which are released in these parts for protection; tell that to the owner of the trout pond). In some cases these animals DO become threats to people and their livestock, but I still don't think that's reason enough to kill them. I think it's really, really ridiculous, unecessary and cruel to kill an animal just because it's "a nuisance". Grrrr.

EDIT: Oh, and this is probably better off in Eyes on The World.