Laurel County, KY - Sheriff John Root is reporting that: The Laurel County Sheriff's office is investigating the apparent abuse and death of a dog where a video was posted on social media showing the dog being struck by a male subject on Wednesday, July 31, 2019 midday.
Following that posting numerous individuals phoned the Laurel County Sheriff's office reporting the abuse. Social media posts and individuals who called named a possible suspect.
Detectives with the Laurel County Sheriff's office immediately began an investigation locating individuals who may have been involved in the abuse and death.
In addition, a citizen located the dog deceased off a County Road north of East Bernstadt. The dog is being transported to UK med center for an examination into the cause of death. Investigators noted that the dog had numerous stab wounds.
The investigation is ongoing with possible suspects being interviewed at the Sheriff's office in London.
More information will be released as it becomes available.
Investigators involved included: Sheriff John Root, Major Chuck Johnson, Captain Kevin Berry, Lt. Robbie Grimes, Detective Sgt. Chris Edwards, Detective James Sizemore, Detective Bryon Lawson, Detective Daniel Grigsby, Detective Kyle Gray, Deputy Taylor McDaniel, Deputy Jamie Etherton, Sgt. Brett Reeves, Sgt. Phil Barnard, Bailiff Daniel Reed, and Bailiff Roy Ball.
UPDATE: Following an ongoing investigation, Laurel Sheriff's detectives have charged a 17-year-old male juvenile from Laurel County with:
- Cruelty to animals – second-degree
- Torture of a dog or cat offense
This individual is being transported court ordered to the juvenile detention facility at Breathitt County.
The investigation is continuing.
