OCSO conducting investigation after deputy shoots dog

ORANGEBURG COUNTY, SC (WCSC) - Officials with the Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office say they are conducting an investigation after a deputy shot a dog.

Sheriff Leroy Ravenell said an internal investigation has been initiated to determine if proper protocol was used during the early Wednesday morning shooting.

Deputies responded to the 700 block of Stilton Road around 1:30 a.m. after receiving reports of a shooting incident.

"Deputies entered the property where the dog was later discovered to be located after reports indicated gunshots had been fired from the house," OCSO officials say.

According to a report, as deputies searched the area for any shooting victims or possible armed gunmen, a pit bull dog charged at the responding deputy "in an extremely aggressive manner."

OCSO officials say the officer then fired twice at the animal, striking it once in the front leg.

"Deputies then discovered the dog that charged out of a crate was on a chain," OCSO officials said."After the incident, deputies notified animal control before trying to make contact with the dog's owner but no one was at the house."

The dog was taken by the Orangeburg County Animal Control to a local veterinarian where the wound was treated, OCSO officials say.

An animal control officer said Wednesday no broken bones were reported and the animal is expected to make a full recovery.

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