OWENSBORO, KY — A sheriff in western Kentucky is investigating a complaint that a deputy beat an injured dog with a hoe.
Ohio County Sheriff David Thompson told the Messenger-Inquirer that state road workers made the complaint against Deputy Randy Taylor, who was suspended with pay "until the outcome of the investigation."
Thompson said the deputy answered a call on June 28 from road workers reporting a dog had been hit by a car. The workers said Taylor beat the dog in the head until they thought it was dead, and they buried it.
Three days later another road crew found the dog alive, and took it to a vet, where it is still being cared for, the newspaper reported.
Thompson said the deputy was interviewed Tuesday as part of the probe. The results of the investigation will be turned over to the Ohio County Attorney Greg Hill, who will decide whether criminal charges are warranted.
Kentucky Department of Highways spokesman Keith Todd said he was aware of the allegations, but declined to comment.
"Officially, since there is a sheriff's office investigation, we'll defer to that investigation," Todd said.
Thompson said the probe, which should be completed this week, will also determine whether any department policies were violated.
"(Hill) will make a determination on the criminal charge and I'll make a determination on the administrative part when it's all complete," the sheriff said.
(Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer - July 6, 2011)
