Every railroad company must keep a book at a principal station in each county into or through which its road runs, to be designated by the company, and a notice of the station so designated must be filed with the recorder of the county in which the station is located; and every such company must cause to be entered in said book, within fifteen (15) days after the killing or maiming of any animal, a description as nearly as may be of such animal, its color, age, marks and brands, and keep said book subject to public inspection. Should any company fail to keep such book, or to file such notice in the manner herein provided, or to enter therein such description of any animal maimed or killed, for a period of fifteen (15) days thereafter, such company is liable to the owner of such animal for twice the value thereof.