In a precedent-setting decision, a Florida appeals court ruled that the state’s “stand your ground” self-defense law can extend to situations where a person uses deadly force against an animal. The case involved Cassanova Gabriel, who fatally shot a pit bull that he claimed was threatening him and his Chihuahua. The court found that a Palm Beach County judge erred in denying Gabriel a “stand your ground” immunity hearing. According to theNews Service of Florida, Judge Burton Conner, writing for the majority, stated that the law allows for the use of deadly force against an animal if a person r…