Family Wants Justice After Family Dog was Killed

By Jacqueline Sit, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- An Oklahoma family is looking for justice after they said a neighbor killed their family's dog. However, the law is leaving the family with very few options, even after they said the neighbor confessed.

Stephanie Farha's three children won't go play in their backyard because just a few days ago that's where they found their Rottweiler mix, Ellie, laying lifeless.

Stephanie Farha said a neighbor confessed to killing the dog by beating it with a shovel after he apparently dug a hole and crossed over the neighbor's fence.

"The kids want to know why. He hadn't gotten in trouble, and I don't know what to say, and it's hard because they want to leave and they want to move, and they don't want to leave our other dog at home because they're afraid that he'll do something to Sonic," Farha said.

Sonic is their only other pet now as the Farhas seek justice for their loss.

"I think that that's just a coward way for him to get out of being held responsible, and apparently by the laws, that works," Farha said.

Farha reported the incident to the Oklahoma City Animal Welfare office, but the agency said the neighbor claimed he was acting in self-defense.

"In this case the animal was on his property posing a threat to him so he did what was necessary to protect himself," said Rodney Pesch, Oklahoma City Animal Welfare.

And since he was the only witness, there is no way to prosecute him.

"Everyone's got their own level on how they're frightened by dogs, and unless we were actually there to see what happened there was no way to know," Pesch said.

The Farhas say they are now at a complete loss.

"It just goes to show that you don't really know your neighbors, and I would just hate for somebody's dog or children to get hurt for that matter," Farha said.

The Farhas' neighbor could not be reached for comment. However, Farah said the neighbor did call Thursday to apologize.

Anyone with a animal problem should call the Animal Welfare Office in your district. If there is not one, call the police or the sheriff's department.