County Attorney Releases Findings of Dog Shooting Incident

May 27, 2010 – Cabarrus County Attorney Richard Koch, along with Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners Chairman Jay White, released findings of the independent investigation related to the events leading to a Cabarrus County animal control officer shooting and killing a family’s pit bull terrier. Koch released his report at a news conference this morning.

The Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners requested this independent investigation by the county attorney after receiving hundreds of e-mails and phone calls from concerned citizens. Cabarrus County Attorney Rich Koch reviewed 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.

This investigation was completely independent of any investigations, reports, or statements of the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office. The report does not address procedures that are under the direct jurisdiction of the Sheriff’s Office. Rather, the report provides an independently verified account of the incident that occurred April 29 on Ivy Walk Court. 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, they do have authority over the ordinance that governs animal control and can make amendments to current animal control procedures.

Among recommendations to be considered by the Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners is the possibility of creating a community taskforce to review the Cabarrus County Animal Control Ordinance to evaluate current animal control procedures.

To view the full report, log on to www.cabarruscounty.us/AttorneyReport.pdf.