The irony is that it took place in Texas where he was perfectly within his rights to shoot them to protect his property (the dog).
I don't see it as ironic. I'd imagine he knew exactly what his rights are, and he chose not to pull the trigger. With his background, I'd imagine he's seen and done enough killing, and chose not to, for whatever reason. I'd never attempt to understand what he's gone through.
I know if it happened to me, they wouldn't have had a chance, all 3 would have had 2 rounds of 00 buckshot in their belly.
