New trial ordered for Sharp Lake rancher who shot dog allegedly threatening cattle

KAMLOOPS – A central B.C. rancher will get another shot at defending her right to defend her cattle by shooting a neighbour's dog.

A B.C. Supreme Court judge has ordered a new trial for Ruth Robinson, the longtime owner of a ranch in Sharp Lake in B.C.'s south Cariboo.

Robinson was found guilty of killing an animal under the Criminal Code after admitting during her spring 2013 trial to targeting the 55-kilogram Leonberger with a rifle.

She testified the dog was chasing her cows and argued her act was justified under the Livestock Act.

A judge in Kamloops says the appeal can proceed, ruling Robinson's conviction should be set aside because the provincial court trial judge did not fully understand the evidence and made errors in interpreting the law.

B.C.'s Livestock Act states that a person may kill a dog if the animal is running at large and either attacking or viciously pursuing the livestock.