Whitfield County Sheriff Releases Bodycam Footage After Deputies Shoot Dogs During Warrant Service

DALTON, Ga. — The Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office has released body camera footage after two deputies shot dogs while attempting to serve a warrant on August 22, an incident that sparked questions and concern in the community.

According to Sheriff Darren J. Pierce, deputies went to a residence on Waring Road where a wanted individual had previously been known to stay. While on scene, two dogs charged at deputies in separate encounters.

The sheriff’s office says the first dog, restrained on a lead, was still able to jump and bite at one of the deputies. That deputy fired his weapon, wounding the animal. A short time later, a second dog reportedly escaped from a structure and charged deputies. Another deputy fired, killing the dog.

The agency says an immediate review of body camera footage cleared both deputies of misconduct. Sheriff Pierce confirmed the deputies have been reinstated to regular duty.

In a statement Tuesday, Pierce acknowledged the grief of the dogs’ owners, saying, “We understand how deeply loved pets are and how painful such a loss can be.” He added that transparency was the reason for publicly releasing the footage, noting that his office is committed to sharing information not only about positive events but also difficult ones.