Douglas County Man Charged After Video Shows Dog Attacking Injured Deer
A Douglas County man faces felony animal abuse charges after a viral video showed him laughing as his dog attacked an injured deer in Sutherlin. Oregon State Police say the footage sparked public outrage and led to charges of aggravated animal abuse and harassing wildlife.
SUTHERLIN, Ore. — A disturbing video circulating on social media has led to criminal charges against a Douglas County man accused of letting his dog attack an injured deer while he stood by and laughed.
According to court records, 21-year-old Elijah Ripley of Douglas County faces charges of first-degree aggravated animal abuse and harassing wildlife after Oregon State Police received multiple reports about the footage earlier this month.
In the video, Ripley is allegedly heard encouraging his dog, identified in court documents as Boo Boo, a black pit bull-lab mix, as it repeatedly bites and mauls an immobilized deer in Sutherlin. The deer, unable to move its rear legs, is attacked for more than two minutes before Ripley finally calls off the dog. The clip ends shortly afterward.
Outraged viewers quickly forwarded the video to authorities, prompting an OSP investigation. Troopers searched the area in an effort to locate the injured doe and end its suffering but were unable to find the animal, according to court filings.
The incident has sparked widespread anger among local residents and wildlife advocates, many of whom are calling for stronger penalties for animal cruelty. Ripley is scheduled to appear in Douglas County Circuit Court on the felony and misdemeanor charges.
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