County Attorney Presents Findings of Family Dog Shooting Death

May 21, 2010 – The Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners has requested that the county attorney perform an independent investigation of the events leading to a Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Deputy shooting and killing a family’s pit bull terrier while responding to a 911 call. Commissioners requested this independent investigation soon after the incident occurred.

Cabarrus County Attorney Rich Koch currently is reviewing the Sheriff’s internal investigation as well as other documentation from witnesses to determine if additional requirements or safeguards should be included in the Cabarrus County Animal Control Ordinance to better protect both pets and people. Koch planned to have his review completed today. However, his review is not expected to be completed until Thursday May 27th, to allow sufficient time for independently verifying statements and claims that were presented by witnesses and by the Sheriff Office’s internal investigation. Once the report is finalized, a news conference will be scheduled to release to the public the county attorney’s report and any recommendations.

In Cabarrus County, the Sheriff’s Office is charged with enforcing the Animal Control Ordinance set by the Board of Commissioners. While the Board of Commissioners has no authority over the Sheriff’s Office, it does have authority to amend the ordinance that governs animal control as it deems necessary.