Hatton, ND (trfnews.i234.me) — A Hatton resident, Luther Lerfald, is facing two counts of animal abuse after allegedly shooting two of his neighbor’s dogs. The incident occurred around March 9th. One of the dogs, a golden retriever named Jake, was killed, while the other, a golden doodle named Bauer, survived the shooting.
According to court documents, Lerfald admitted to a witness that he had shot the dogs. He later told law enforcement that the dogs had been chasing deer, and he considered them predators. In North Dakota, dogs chasing big game can be considered a threat to wildlife, but the law requires specific procedures to address such situations.
The charges against Lerfald are Class A misdemeanors, each carrying a maximum sentence of 360 days in jail and/or a $3,000 fine. The case has sparked discussions in the community about appropriate responses to wildlife threats and the responsibilities of pet owners.
Did You Know?
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North Dakota law allows landowners to protect wildlife from domestic animals but requires adherence to specific legal protocols.
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Animal abuse charges in North Dakota can result in significant penalties, reflecting the state’s commitment to animal welfare.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.