I had a similar dream several nights ago. Some canine had my sweet little Australian Shepherd mix pinned to the ground by the neck, my dog Abby beginning to attempt vocalization and struggle. I woke up, she at the foot of the bed, head laying on my foot. It felt good. Sometimes a mystery, sometimes not, I know why I had that dream.
Out here in the country dogs are allowed to run at large, as long as rabies vaccinated and license tagged. Which is fine, I reckon. It's a bit sketchy dogs coming onto your property, dogs are considered personal property of the owner. Not that I would wish to or would, but you can't....deal with a dog on your property or you could be libel for damages. Virginia has bullshit draconian laws concerning hunting dogs, dogs that run deer, coons or whatever. Their tags can be removed provided they have something that identifies the owner. As they run deer they may come onto other's property, legally. A pack of ramped up hunting dogs, coming onto your property, where you may have your own animals, you can't legally deal with it. You can't deal with it if they kill your animal, only petition the county authorities over a vicious animal..I think, could be wrong. Hell, it might be a stretch but I could almost envision being charged with interfering with a hunt if your dogs confront a pack of hunting dogs on your property. I think you can deal with it on the spot an animal/canine harming non domestic animals such as livestock, not sure about domestic animals. "Mutual combat" may be a consideration as far as the authorities and courts go. The kicker? The owner(s) have a "right to retrieve" their hunting dogs by coming unannounced onto your property, provided I believe they do not possess a side arm. Not sure about rifles. That is bullshit. Utter fucking bullshit. I encourage you to do your own research as far as your rights to protect you, your family, and kitties.
Hunting season is right around the corner. Take care your kitties. You might also keep in mind for your own safety and the safety of your dogs if you have any, rutting season. Deer may become more aggressive, stand their ground, or worse.
Good luck, and welcome to Virginia.