PAVO- The Brooks County Sheriff’s Office is investing a Pavo Police Department officer, who reportedly shot and killed two aggressive dogs while on a call. 

According to reports, on January 24, 2025, a Pavo Police officer was dispatched to the Wood Avenue area in reference to a call about two dogs chasing children. 

When the office arrived on scene, he located the two dogs, but was unable to locate their owners. The children were also gone and he was unable to question them. 

However, the officer followed policy and called Thomas County Animal Control. While waiting for animal control, the officer spoke to a neighbor who informed him that the dogs had recently attacked a lady and a kid. The neighbor referred to the dogs as “mean and feral.” 

When animal control arrived, the officer noted in the report that the dogs stayed at a distance and were aggressively barking and snarling at them. 

After trying to catch the dogs, the officer said he was walking back to the animal control truck when one of the dogs charged at him and tried to bite him. 

The officer then grabbed a rifle out of his car and shot both dogs in the head. 

According to Georgia Code § 4-8-5, “No person shall perform a cruel act on any dog; nor shall any person harm, maim, or kill any dog, or attempt to do so, except that person may: defend his or her person, or the person or property of another, from injury or damage caused by a dog.” 

The code also does not limit in any way the authority or duty of any law enforcement officer. 

Pavo Police Interim Chief Terry Gibson explained the Pavo Police Department is not out to kill any dogs and prides themselves on following all state, local, and county laws and will continue to do so, as they work to protect the community they love. 

To ensure no laws have been broken, the officer has been suspended by the City of Pavo, while the Brooks County Sheriff’s Office investigates the matter. 

Gibson felt the matter should be investigated by a neutral party. He is unsure how long the investigation will take to complete, but assures the officer will not return until he has been completely cleared of any wrongdoing.