Carlos Kleiber, 74; Brilliant, Reclusive Conductor. Carlos Kleiber, a conductor of tremendous mystique who had the uncanny ability to animate the smallest details in a piece of music yet whose personal elusiveness made him one of the most enigmatic stars of the classical music world, has died.
First of all, it's not illegal to kill a cat or a dog as it's an unfortunate reality for the ones who end up at the humane society or are put down due to illness. Animal cruelty however is illegal and most states have statutes w/ minimum punishments for those caught and convicted.
No it's not illegal. If you were in the yard, not on the public street or sidewalk, then the residents could ask you to leave. That's all they can legally do. The dog is private property, but if it's in public view you can photograph it legally without permission. Ditto the kid, the house, etc.