In Liberty County, Georgia, the sheriff’s office is investigating the reason why a deputy surrendered one of its retired K-9 officers to animal control last week.
According to the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, a five-year-old Dutch Shepherd named Kona, had been underweight when dropped off at the shelter. The deputy who surrendered Kona was Trevon Tolson, who dropped the dog off at the Liberty County Animal Shelter on April 29.
An investigation is underway within the LCSO K-9 Division:
Sheriff Bowman would not agree to, and had no prior knowledge of, the retired canine being treated in this manner. the well being and proper care of all canines, both active and retired, is of the utmost importance to the Liberty County Sheriff’s office, and any allegations of mistreatment or neglect are taken very seriously.
Liberty County Sheriff’s office statement
K-9 Kona retired in December 2023 after having served since March 2021. The dog was released to Tolson on December 20, 2023.
Kona has since been adopted by Kevin Schwartz, a previous K-9 handler, who is now working to get the dog back to optimum health. The two are spending a lot of time together. It is not known at this time if animal neglect was a factor for the dog’s condition – reasons for her being underweight are still being evaluated with veterinarians.
Kona was released by the shelter within 24 hours, and although she was underweight, had been listed by the shelter as in good health.
Updates to follow.
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