FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — Fayette County Sheriff Steve Kessler said Thursday he regrets how a vicious dog was put down last month.
The sheriff released a statement concerning animal control officer Russell Parker’s decision to shoot and kill the dog instead of waiting to have it euthanized.
“I regret that this incident occurred. I certainly care for animals, but I consider the health and safety of the human citizens of Fayette County to be more important,” Kessler said in the release. “Animal control officer Parker was acting in what he believed to be the best interests of the child.”
The dog attacked a child March 11 in the Oak Hill area. Parker wanted to put the dog down quickly to find out if it had rabies so the young girl could obtain proper treatment. Fayette County’s only licensed worker to euthanize animals was not available, so Parker shot and killed the dog, requiring several rounds.
After the director of the Fayette County Animal Control Center filed a complaint, Kessler investigated and said Parker had been disciplined internally.