Former Tennessee deputy accused of ‘shooting and killing’ seven dogs during an animal welfare check

A former Tennessee sheriff’s deputy is facing several charges in connection with the deaths of seven dogs, officials said Wednesday.

According to a news release from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), the McNairy County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call for animal welfare at a home in Betel Springs, about 90 miles from Memphis, on Monday, Nov. 4.

When Deputy Connor Brackin arrived on scene to check on the dogs, he released one of them to the person who made the initial complaint. Brackin then “for reasons under investigation” fired his service weapon, shooting and killing seven dogs on the property,” the news release said.

The TBI launched its investigation on November 7 in response to a request from 25th Judicial District Attorney General Mark Davidson.

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Brackin has resigned from the sheriff’s office

Brackin, 24, was charged with eight counts of reckless endangerment and seven counts of aggravated cruelty to animals. The former deputy turned himself in after TBI obtained warrants for his arrest earlier this week and was booked into the McNairy County Jail.

McNairy County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Zach Bay told USA TODAY Friday that Brackin resigned. He had been employed by the employment agency for less than a month.

Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Former sheriff’s deputy accused of killing seven dogs during welfare check faces charges