A Rockdale County sheriff’s deputy will not face criminal charges in relation to the deaths of his three personal dogs. An internal investigation by the department concerning Deputy Eric Tolbert had been conducted in reference to a “cruelty to animals” situation.
According to the CitizensNews, Tolbert’s three American bulldogs died of heat stroke after they were left in an uninsulated, enclosed shed in the middle of June when temperatures soared into the 90s. Although it was alleged a fan was operational in the shed, one dog succumbed to the heat and died; the next day the two other dogs died. Tolbert stated he had installed a portable air conditioner, but failed to read the instructions and the air conditioner stopped working while he was away. On that day, Tolbert had worked an eight-hour shift on an off-duty job.
When the Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation, a search revealed unsanitary conditions and the improper disposal of the dogs’ bodies.
The investigation also found that his assigned K9 Officer Aegis, a black Labrador retriever, had been left in an outdoor kennel in the backyard, however the dog’s kennel was in an unsanitary condition, and the dog was left alone wearing his collar which is against policy for a dog being held in a kennel. Aegis was found in good condition.
K9 Aegis was removed from the deputy’s charge after he violated department’s policy to provide canine care and for the dog to be examined by a veterinarian on an annual basis. Aegis had not been to the vet since 2019.
Tolbert has been a K9 handler for the last five years. He was found to have violated department policy and state laws governing animal cruelty and proper disposal of animals. Tolbert had tossed one of his dogs in a trash can; the other two were removed from the trash and buried on the deputy’s property.
The Rockdale County judges have refused to sign a warrant charging Tolbert with misdemeanor animal cruelty, citing a lack of probable cause and a potential conflict of interest since the investigation had been conducted by the department.
Since this incident, the policy for caring for K9 officers, has been strengthened and now it is required that the dogs be kept inside in air conditioned spaces when off duty if outside temperatures are greater than 90 degrees or heated areas when temperatures fall below 40 degrees.
Tolbert was suspended for 32 hours without pay and will no longer be a K9 handler.
Follow the National Pet Rescue on Facebook for the latest animal related news.
I WILL NEVER FORGET THE POLICE OFFICER WHO REFERRED TO HIS K9 OFFICER AS “JUST ANOTHER TOOL ON MY BELT”!
IT SEEMS THIS OFFICER IS ONE OF THOSE WHO FEELS THAT WAY!
WHAT A DISGRACE TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND THE HEROES THAT SERVE TO PROTECT US!