Authorities in the African country of Sudan have allegedly sentenced a ram to three years in prison for hitting and killing an old woman.

If humans had to go to prison every time they killed a goat, we would have to build so many more prisons, but when the roles are reversed for a change the poor animal has to answer for its actions. That’s exactly what allegedly happened in Sudan earlier this month – at least according to multiple national news outlets – after a ram in Rumbek East County charged at an elderly woman hitting her in the ribs and causing serious injuries that later proved fatal. It’s unclear what possessed the animal to attack, but once it was identified as the culprit, the ram was taken into custody and sentenced to hard time.

“The ram attacked by hitting her ribs and the old woman died immediately. So this is what happened in Rumbek East in a place called Akuel Yol,” Major Elijah Mabor told Sudan’s Eye Radio. “The ram was apprehended and currently under custody at a Police Station of Maleng Agok Payam.”

Mabor added that the ram would spend the next three years in a military camp in Aduel County, while its owner, who was apparently a neighbor and relative of the victim, will have to compensate the deceased’s family by offering them five cows. Furthermore, after the ram serves its time, it will also be offered to the victim’s family to do with it as they see fit, in accordance with local law.

“The owner is innocent and the ram is the one who perpetrated the crime so it deserves to be arrested then later on the case shall be forwarded to customary court where the case can be handled amicably,” Major Mabor explained.

Ghana Wish reports that both families have signed a contract to formalize their agreement, with police and local community leaders acting as witnesses.