Randolph case is closed as federal pitbull lawsuit is dismissed

OMAHA - The federal case against the City of Randolph has officially been dismissed.

The U.S. District Court of Nebraska dismissed the suit brought by Kandice Cooke last week. The court dismissed the case with prejudice, meaning that Cooke cannot refile the same claim again in federal court.

The preliminary injunction against the city was also dissolved.

Cooke moved to Randolph in March 2023 from Minnesota and was unable to obtain a city dog license due to her dog Rufus’ breed. She provided documentation by the Assistance Dogs of America Registry which lists Rufus as a boxer mix.

However, Rufus’s vaccination records, signed by a licensed veterinarian, indicate his breed as pitbull and thus banned by city ordinance established In 2015.

She was unsuccessful in her appeal to the city council and in a civil suit filed in Cedar County Court. Cooke’s federal court filing sought more than $13 million with the majority of her claim resting on emotional stress brought on by her inability to keep her dog.

As part of the settlement, Cooke was allowed to keep her dog but not receive any compensation. She also must abide by all other city animal ordinances.