CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. — After a viral video circulated on social media sites alleging that inmates abused a dog at the Clayton County animal shelter, police issued a statement refuting those claims.
The Clayton County police department issued a statement along with a video on their Facebook page and said the claims made by the person who posted the video were “completely unfounded and without merit” following an investigation into the video and the allegations.
“What was alleged to be a “dog’s head” in the video was, in fact, an inmate’s elbow as they were petting the animal.
If you review the second video, you’ll notice that the gate is open, and the individuals remain in the same location. This footage is from an older camera that records based on motion activity in the room, which caused portions of the video to be omitted. In contrast, the first video, captured by a newer camera, provides full-color footage with a complete angle, keeping both the individual and the animal in frame at all times. Please compare both videos carefully and note the similarities for accuracy,” the department said in the statement.
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Police concluded their statement by cautioning the public from knowingly filing false reports.
“While we encourage the reporting of legitimate concerns, false allegations harm that trust and detract from addressing real issues.
Additionally, it is important to note that filing false reports or providing knowingly false information to law enforcement is a serious offense under Georgia law. According to O.C.G.A. § 16-10-20, such actions are classified as felonies, punishable by up to $1,000 in fines, 1-5 years in prison, or both. Any individual found responsible for disrupting government operations with baseless accusations will be held fully accountable under the law. We urge all citizens to exercise responsibility and ensure any allegations are based on factual evidence before bringing them forward.”
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