This story breaks the heart and is shockingly similar to an Oklahoma County case from just 3 years ago.   Thankfully we have caring folks like those at Blazes Tribute Equine Rescue willing to step forward and do the hard work of rehabilitating horses like Rudy and now “Ruby.”

Horses are defined as livestock in Oklahoma.  As such, Oklahoma law holds dog owners responsible for injury to livestock, i.e. horses.

4 Okl.St.Ann. § 41

• 41. Animals chasing or injuring livestock–Right to kill–Liability of owner–Warrantless seizure–Court proceedings–Definitions

“B. The owner of any animal of the family canidae or the family felidae that kills or injures any livestock shall be jointly and severally liable to any person so damaged, to the full amount of the injury done and damages caused, including reasonable attorney fees and litigation expenses.”

Furthermore, this same statute authorizes livestock owners to shoot and kill dogs found chasing and otherwise harassing livestock.

4 Okl.St.Ann. § 41

“A. It shall be lawful for a person to kill any animal of the family canidae or the family felidae found chasing livestock off the premises of the owner of the animal if the person is the owner or occupant of the property on which the animal is chasing the livestock or if the person is authorized to kill such an animal by the owner or occupant of such property.”

Please follow the link to Ruby’s story.

http://www.news9.com/story/36697387/jones-horse-rescue-sees-repeat-case

This blog post does not constitute legal advice.