Deputy allegedly kills 7 dogs during animal welfare check while family went to get dinner

MCNAIRY Co., Tenn. (WKRC) – A sheriff's deputy was fired after he killed seven dogs when he was tasked to check on the animals and make sure they were okay. The family that owned the dogs said they were just out for dinner when their pets were killed.

The now-former McNairy County Sheriff’s deputy Connor Brackin responded to the animal welfare call made on Nov. 4 to reports that the animals were malnourished pets at an abandoned home, according to WMC and FOX13.

After Brackin arrived at the property he released one of the dogs to the person who made the welfare call, then he shot and killed seven dogs. No reasons have been released as to why Brackin released one dog or shot and killed the other seven dogs, according to WMC.

Kevin Dismuke, the owner of the seven dogs, told FOX13 that he and his wife were out for dinner when his pets were shot. Dismuke also said he had no idea why the animal welfare call was made.

“I don't know where they come up with the idea that they were malnourished or abandoned,” he told FOX13.

Three of the dogs were found dead inside of the home and the other four had been shot and killed outside.

A warrant was issued for Brackin's arrest on Tuesday and he was charged with seven counts of aggravated cruelty to animals and eight counts of reckless endangerment. He turned himself in and has since been released on bond.

Brackin had been employed with the McNairy County Sheriff's Department for less than a month before his termination.