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'Ranchers' Right' to Shoot Dogs Sparks Debate

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ORLANDO, Fla. -- The shootings of two huskies roaming a cattle field has sparked international outrage, prompting calls from the Animal Legal Defense Fund and the Humane Society of the United States for the shooter to face charges.

"When we first pulled up there was a large gentleman walking towards the dogs," said witness Patrick Miller, describing the May 19 shootings of Hoochie and Raley, owned by Chris Butler.

"Chris (Butler) went running out there with a leash in hand, yelling at the guy who had just pulled out a gun and started shooting the dogs. He was just firing into them -- I was screaming 'No, no, no!' "

Miller's screaming attempt to intervene was captured by a tourist, who later posted the video on the Internet.

According to Butler, the two dogs were off their leashes when they took off running from a pond during a nightly walk. The dogs wandered almost two miles from their home, into a field with cattle.

While Butler searched for his dogs, a crowd began to gather at the corner of a field and highway, watching cattle owner Christopher Comins observe the loose dogs intermingle with the cattle.

Miller, who is also Butler's neighbor, was among the crowd and recognized the dogs. Miller raced to Butler's home to inform Butler that his dogs had been found

Yet as Butler and Miller returned to the scene, Comins was already armed and in the field.

In the video, Miller is heard screaming "No, no, no!" while Butler is seen running into the field with leashes in hand. Simultaneously, Comins fires nine shots at the dogs. Both were wearing collars, witnesses say.

One bullet shattered Hoochie's leg and another took out his eye. Raley still has a bullet in his back, but has fully recovered.

According to a police incident report, Comins told the Orange County Sheriff's Office that the dogs appeared to be preparing to attack and were attempting to harm a calf.

Under Florida law, property owners can shoot dogs if the canines harass and attack cattle, or act aggressively.

However, the incident report also notes that no injuries were found to the cattle.

A sheriff's office investigation concluded Comins acted within the law by protecting cattle from a possible attack.

Now the ALDF, HSUS, Butler, his attorney and close to 5,000 people from around the world, have signed an online petition, saying the incident is a case of animal cruelty.

Collectively they want the state attorney's office to charge Comins with a felony.

Comins and his attorney declined to comment, as the legal action is pending and two-fold: a civil suit filed by Butler and a defamation suit, which Comins filed against Butler.

Comins' supporters have set up a blog, which displays letters from the land and cattle owner.

But while the cases hang in the balance of the justice system, Butler is the only person, so far, who has faced legal action. He received two citations for having his dogs off their leashes and was made to pay $107 for each dog.

"Just to add insult to injury, I had to pay $10 for writing the citation," Butler said.

In Butler's civil suit, animal law attorney Jennifer Dietz has filed to recover the cost of Hoochie and Raley's medical bills and physical suffering. They're seeking $15,000.

"The owner was there, calling the dogs, when the man was shooting the dogs," Dietz said. "If he's there running and jumping the fence to get his dogs and one dog was shot and running towards his owner, it goes beyond what a normal person would do. It's not reasonable."

The state attorney's office said its investigation continues, while the ALDF stands behind its offer to assist the state attorney's office with the case.

For more information on Christopher Comins' blog, visit ChristopherComins.BlogSpot.com. For more information on the Animal Legal Defense Fund, visit ALDF.org. For more information to petition the husky dogs shot in Orange County, Fla., visit ThePetitionSite.com.

Tell us what you think about " 'Ranchers' Right' to Shoot Dogs Sparks Debate" below, and be sure to watch this video at the top right of your page. Share your favorite videos by clicking on the ZootooTV tab. Send us your story ideas by e-mailing us at news@zootoo.com or by calling us at 877-777-4204.



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Phil27944
Phil27944
7 months ago
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It should also be AGAIN noted that Comins is NOT the owner or caretaker of the cattle or the landowner, but he is a businessman in the area and a personal friend of the sheriff (read this elsewhere). It is very questionable as to whether the "right to shoot" law really protects him.

I currently have 16 Huskies and have had several more in the past. True, they do have a high prey drive, for SMALL animals but they are not aggressive at all otherwise. And you can clearly see in the video that the cattle were standing there totally unconcerned about the Huskies and Hoochie and Raley were not chasing or harassing them at all.

While Mr. Butler is at fault for allowing Hoochie and Raley off leash in an unsecured area (a very big no no with a Husky) it still does not excuse Comins actions at all. In my opinion, Comins is a A** H--- with a gun on a power trip (and obviously a poor shot) who thinks he is important because he knows somebody. He is just lucky that I was not there because that gun would have be shoved into a place that the sun doesn't shine.
 
KRISTIE T.
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Trigger happy loser. I can't believe how he tried to blame the dogs. It was clearly visible on the video that the dogs and cattle were comfortable around eachother no fear, no aggression. BULLSHIT! I hope the state does the right thing and holds the real guilty party responsible. What about victims rights? sheeesh
 
Cindi K.
Cindi K. (tinaturner)
7 months ago
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this guy is a real jerk dont think he should own a gun and charged with animal abuse
 
lruder
lruder
7 months ago
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Sounds as though there are some unresolved issues between the two. The rancher should not have shot those dogs though.
 
Jenny P.
Jenny P. (jepauls)
7 months ago
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I totally understand the problems that these farmers may have with dog packs that attack their cattle. However, based on the evidence it seems as though he was going to shoot first, ask questions later. Glad the dogs are okay. Wow.
 
Tammie S.
Tammie S. (Weebandits)
8 months ago
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In the video, it shows that the cattle were not in any danger and later showed no marks too. I feel he just wanted to shoot something. I have livestock and the only way I would shoot a dog would be if I for sure seen the dogs attact them. But that would be the last resort, I prefer to chase them off if at all possiable.
 
Morgan
Morgan (mls7988)
8 months ago
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I do not think this farmer should have shot these dogs as it didn't appear they were attacking the herd. i think maybe him and his neighbor had some issues and this was a way to keep the neighbor in line. i think he deserves whatever he gets...i do however think that farmers should have the right to protect there herd. t think they should not be persecuted, but they should know the difference between attacking and wandering around. this is an example of stupidity.
 
m s.
m s. (william123)
8 months ago
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NO ONE HAS THE RIGHT TO KILL ANOTHER LIVING BEING WITHOUT CONSEQUENCES -- THE REASON PEOPLE SHOOT INNOCENT ANIMALS IS BECAUSE THEY DO NOT KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO -- IT'S A QUICK SOLUTION. IF THEY WERE "THINKING" PEOPLE, THEY WOULD DEVISE A PLAN SO THAT ALL PARTIES IN THIS SITUATION WOULD WIN. IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO, YOU SEEK EXPERT OR PROFESSIONAL HELP. KILLING ARBITRARILY AND UNNECESSARILY IS UNCONSCIONABLE AND IMMORAL.
 
Jason  M.
Jason M. (jmm11874)
8 months ago
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Sounds like this person was really looking for an excuse to shoot, perhaps he's had problems with dog attacks in the past.
 
Renee  M.
Renee M. (rap7176)
8 months ago
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I can understand why some farmers/ranchers do feel the need to shoot to kill, but this case is really whacky. A person could have seriously been injured.
 
Julia C.
Julia C. (Jules1GSU)
8 months ago
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I am glad Zootoo posted this news story. What a terrible event, but luckily the dogs are recovering. I hope that something happens to the rancher who fired 9 shots at the two collar-wearing, owner-on-scene, Huskies. Animal cruelty comes in many guises, no matter what the sheriff's office thinks.
 
goldy491
goldy491
8 months ago
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No answer to any problem is to shoot and kill animals.
 
MICHELLE G.
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Yes the owner of the dogs should not have taken them off the leashes.They had wondered two miles away which he probably never would of thought would happen.But, you can clearly see that the dogs were not acting aggresive to the livestock or the man so I think he was just trigger happy.If you saw the owner of the dogs running and saying No would you continue then to shoot? I am glad the dogs lived, 7 bullets! There must be a better way to keep your livestock safe, what if they used rubber bullets first and then if the need be resort to the gun?
 
George H.
George H. (GHeimovics)
9 months ago
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One of my dog nephews was shot at the dump when he got loose while his family was visiting some out of town friends. He has a collar and tags and I bet the shooter never considered trying to help him. Shot first and never gave it a second thought. Cruel.
 
CloveS26
CloveS26
9 months ago
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yes need a leash
 
Michaelyn
Michaelyn (MichaelynL)
9 months ago
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Any updates?
 
Jean C.
Jean C. (JeanCutrer)
9 months ago
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I have to wonder if this is not the first time this has happened to him with the same dogs. This maybe the reason he did what he did.
 
Eric B.
Eric B. (e83eric)
9 months ago
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The dogs should have been leashed but the rancher should have used a little common sense and rational thought. If his cattle went wandering on to another person's property and were turned into a nice steak dinner, the rancher probably would have sued.
 
Jodi S.
Jodi S. (jodiscaife)
9 months ago
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In this particular story, the dogs clearly had an owner who wasn't just randomly letting them roam although I'm not sure why he had his huskies off-lead in an unfenced area. At the same time, I can sympathize with ranchers who are dealing with packs of dogs worrying their livestock.

This situation just wasn't well-handled.
 
Christy M.
Christy M. (mallingc)
9 months ago
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I can't image being the owner in this story. How terrible to have to watch and try and prevent. I'm just glad the dogs didn't die.
 
maggiethecat
maggiethecat
9 months ago
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This is awful!
"the dogs appeared to be preparing to attack...."
does not give anyone the right to shoot to kill dogs. I'm going to find that petition, if it's still going. Not only do these dogs & their human deserve justice, it would be good if this rancher were held accountable for this and an example of what should not take place!
 
Debbie
Debbie (depdog)
9 months ago
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Intermingling with the cattle is NOT attaching them. I cannot imagine the sadness of the owners.
 
Crystal  G.
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This is terrible. The dogs did not look like they were putting his cattle into danger. He had no right to shoot these dogs.
 
Joelle  T.
Joelle T. (johell)
9 months ago
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I think this is crazy! He had no right to shoot the dogs!
 
Andrea S.
Andrea S. (ajswanny)
9 months ago
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If there is an owner there trying to get the dogs leashed, and they have yet to mess with the cows, let the owner try to get them. Shooting them was pure heartless.
 
Robert R.
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If you had a pet cow, would you want wondering dogs to mess with it?
 
Kathleen M.
Kathleen M. (expedite)
9 months ago
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This is sick. If your dogs took off, you'd not want someone to shoot them.
 
gdpar4
gdpar4
9 months ago
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Yes, leashing animals is important when they can come into harm's way - but to think the man would shoot them - how awful! Both men need to learn an important lesson from this.
 
Liann L.
Liann L. (Liann)
9 months ago
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Yes, the dogs should have been on leash. The owner bears responsibility for that, so he shouldn't complain about the citations. But for the rancher to start shooting even while the owner is there and running to get his dogs is simply criminal, and he should have to pay for the dogs' medical bills.
 
Praisethekitty
Praisethekitty
9 months ago
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I totally blame the dog owner for not keeping the animal on leash. The animals suffered for his carelessness
 
Marla W.
Marla W. (marlawo)
9 months ago
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What happen in the end. I hope the rancher was put in jail for a long time.
 
HomePro
HomePro
9 months ago
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I can understand the rancher's frustration, but when the owner is running up with to get his dogs, it's hard to understand why he'd shoot.
 
janice b.
janice b. (JRBYRAM)
10 months ago
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I feel the dog's should have remained on a leash. It was a sad lesson to learn and one that could have been prevented. my brother in- law has horses, a cow & goats that have been terrorized by a neighbors dog . he refuses to shoot them though he has the right to protect his animals for fear of a law suite . the law will do nothing since it is out of city limits. I'm not out to kill dog's for this but what about the other animals? dont they have right's? maybe the farmer had other dog's attack his live stock before and thought it was the same dogs? the best thing to do is keep pets on a leash so this does not happen.
 
Marla W.
Marla W. (marlawo)
10 months ago
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I wish someone would keep us up on this story and other ones.
 
Anthony C.
Anthony C. (DragonMan)
10 months ago
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Right away this guy wants to pull out a gun and start shooting without even investigating the situation, although its negligence of the owner I dont think these dogs were threatining he sounds like a trigger happy jerk to me, just another case of someone just doing without thinking
 
Autumn H.
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We humans have brains.... why don't we use them to solve problems. If humans insist on being "above" animals, why are we still using brute force like an animal?
 
Fran B.
Fran B. (keywestnorth)
10 months ago
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this is a sad state of our society today. Shoot first ask questions later.
 
Jeremy W.
Jeremy W. (jwalls)
10 months ago
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Why can't they get along. When my dog gets away my neighbors try to find me and let me know. It didn't look like the dogs were hurting the cows.
 
Russell W.
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this is truly a sad story
 
KCsMom
KCsMom
10 months ago
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another story of irresponsible pet owners....not sure what their LEASH LAW is .... I agree with the rancher..... he was within the law....and it doesn't say in this story how many times these particular dogs were harrassing his stock....
I have a neighbor who thinks just because it's dark out he can get away with letting his dogs run loose in the neighborhood.... once again it's the people who cause the problems......
 
eschkm
eschkm
9 months ago
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Before you make terse comments justifying inhumane behavior, do your homework. This jerk has a trigger-happy history. He was slapped with a felony charge for putting a gun to someone's head, threatening to shoot. This "gentleman" was by no means within his rights to shoot (and let's remember that seven shots is a bit severe, bordering on sociopathic). The dogs were clearly harmless, granted a possible nuisance, and proven to be such as a result of the cows neither showing attack marks or fear of any kind. Yes, leashes are important, but let's face it, sh*t happens. Dogs get off leashes. Then, we go searching for our lost family members, ready to swoop them up in our loving arms and take them home, where we vow to be better parents in the future. I hate to hear what you'd do to a lost kid. P.S. In March, this shooter WILL be facing felony charges. Guess even the legal system doesn't agree with you.
 
HomePro
HomePro
10 months ago
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It bothers me that the owner was there to get his dogs and the guy shot them anyway.
 
RichardK
RichardK
10 months ago
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What really scares me is their ability to shoot at will just because its on their property
 
jennifer r.
jennifer r. (jjenika1)
10 months ago
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Unfortunately the dogs were off leash and if they weren't being controlled it is ultimately the owner that was negligent, he is lucky the property owner didn't kill the dogs! Had they been under control this entire time the situation would have never happened! Be responsible people, if your dogs chase squirrels or do not come when called, KEEP THEM ON A LEASH!
 
Karen S.
Karen S. (kstrieder1)
10 months ago
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How sad. While I feel that ranchers have the right to protect their livestock it does not sound like these dogs were threatening at all. So, why would you shoot them - because you can? How could you live with yourself?
 
thanksBHS
thanksBHS
10 months ago
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Aside from being cruel and stupid, I'd also like to point out that it is really, really lazy to shoot first and ask questions later so speak. Furthermore, that guy must be an awful, awful shot. What a loser.
I don't expect that rancher will find much support on this site but that's fine with me.
 
Jill C.
Jill C. (jillgirl)
10 months ago
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they should not be able to shoot dogs
 
Laurie F.
Laurie F. (lauriebeth23)
10 months ago
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Very sad. My heart goes out to the owner of the dogs. To witness your animal being injured so viciously is very sad.
 
1cakelady
1cakelady
10 months ago
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<span>this comment has been removed from the system</span>
 
Peg L.
Peg L. (sjcmom)
10 months ago
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I can see both sides of the story. I understand the rancher's right to protect his cattle, but from the video it sure doesn't look like the dogs were a threat. If the owner was on scene before the shooting, the rancher should have given him a chance to contain them. No, he should not have let them off leash to begin with, but who of us has never had our dog off leash, even briefly, and had them run? I'm sure it's something he will never do again. Too bad the dogs had to suffer the consequence of his actions.
 
Paul W.
Paul W. (MrGrapeJuice)
10 months ago
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good point
 
TiggerDad3
TiggerDad3
10 months ago
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I am not saying the shooter was right or wrong, but I am saying......

Why all the negative toward the shooter?
Isn't the owner of the dogs the one who is at the initial fault?
Why didn't he have control over his animals?

Simply put, if the owner of the dogs were doing their part in the responsibility of pet ownership, then the dogs would have never been in a situation where it might have seemed they could be agressive, and would have never been harmed.

Put more of the responsibility for this situation where it belongs, instead of trying to define or redefine the law.
 
jennifer r.
jennifer r. (jjenika1)
10 months ago
Flag this | Good Point | 2 users liked it.
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I agree...the fault here lies with the owner for not keeping his dogs under control! They should have never been in this field to start with!
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