Around 10,000 family pets are put down by law enforcement each year in the U.S. Unfortunately, this time the tragedy struck close to home in Wake County, North Carolina. Deputy A. R. Deras, while acting under the guise of the community caretaking doctrine, took the life of a beloved family dog that was securely geofenced in its own kitchen. The incident was caught partially on tape, demonstrating an unwarranted use of force and authority, showing the deputy probably being untruthful to his superiors and leaving a family heartbroken and a community outraged.

The doctrine of community caretaking is meant to safeguard the well-being of the public and assist those in need, not to be used as a shield for unnecessary violence or illegal entry. Three doors were opened and he “didn’t hear any dog” that we can clearly hear on the video. The dog “came around the corner so fast” and she “scared the shit out of me”. The fact that a family pet was killed, adding to the staggering number of such incidents occurring across the nation, is a deeply concerning misuse of this doctrine that calls for an immediate and thorough investigation.

We urge the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) and the North Carolina Department of Justice (NCDOJ) to prioritize an investigation into Deputy Deras’s actions. Their findings could lead to essential policy changes that protect pets and their families in similar situations in the future.

In addition, we call for all law enforcement officers to receive training specifically focused on animal encounters, ensuring that they understand when lethal force is absolutely unnecessary and how it can often be avoided. It's crucial to implement these protective measures and remind our officers of the implications their decisions have on the community they serve.

This unfortunate event serves as a wake-up call for all of us in Clayton and beyond. We must advocate for justice and promote change to prevent needless tragedies like this from happening again. Please sign and support safer, more humane practices that honor and respect all living beings, human and animal alike. Let's make our voices heard and demand a thorough investigation into this grievous incident.

The apparent lack of accountability from Sheriff Rowe or DA Freeman is troubling. 
https://youtu.be/pe_IKup2CU8?si=V-w1_mJrJJfj0J_8

Please watch the tape on YouTube or Lackluster and decide for yourself.