Deceased Dog's Remains Are Not Former Police K-9

CANTON, GA -- The examination of canine remains found at the previous home of a former officer charged with animal cruelty are complete -- and adds another twist to the story.

The remains recovered at the former Paulding County home of Daniel Peabody have been examined by a forensic veterinarian and are that of a Belgian Malinois -- not Dale, the yellow Labrador Peabody claimed to have shot and killed on the property, the Cherokee Marshal's Office said.

Chief Marshal Ron Hunton said authorities don't believe the remains are that of another police K-9, but "may be that of Inka’s grandmother -- not a police K-9 -- owned by Peabody.

"We, at this point, have no solid information as to the location of Dale’s remains," he added.

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Peabody, a former lieutenant with the Cherokee County School District's Police Department, was charged last month by the Marshal's Office with one count of aggravated cruelty to animals and one count of making false statements.

The felony aggravated cruelty to animal charge stems from Peabody leaving his partner, K-9 Inka, in a patrol car "with no ventilation while the engine was off, which resulted in the death of the K-9 from a heat stroke," Chief Marshal Ron Hunton previously said.

The car was not properly equipped to transport police K-9's, as it did not have an agency-approved heat alarm or kennel system.

The felony false statement charge derives from Peabody informing marshal's office investigators about the death of Dale, who was retired from the Cherokee County School Police Department in 2012.

Hunton said the agency received information about Dale after it opened its investigation into Inka's death. Peabody was responsible for Dale's upkeep and care after his retirement. Peabody allegedly told investigators Dale's death was accidental and was caused by him choking on a toy, the marshal's office said.

However, Hunton said the agency's investigation "yielded evidence that Dale was in fact shot and killed by Peabody" after was retired from active service.

On June 20, marshal's office investigators and their counterparts with the Paulding County Sheriff's Office executed a search warrant at Peabody's former home, and animal remains believed to be those of a dog were recovered from the property, Hunton stated.

Dale was assigned to Peabody from 2007 to 2012, and investigators believe he was about 6 years old at the time of his death. The Cherokee County School District said Dale was retired from duty in May 2012, and its policy allows handlers to apply to adopt a retiring K-9. Peabody was subsequently granted ownership of Dale.

Peabody worked with the Cherokee County School Police Department from 2000 to June 16 when he voluntarily resigned from the post.

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Image via Cherokee County Adult Detention Center