Family outraged after dog shot, killed while barking at Cobb Police Officer 

The tragic shooting of Zeta, the Carr family’s beloved Labrador retriever mix, has sparked outrage and heartbreak in Cobb County, leading to questions about the use of force by law enforcement when dealing with family pets. The incident occurred last Monday evening outside the Carr family’s home near Powder Springs.

Officers were reportedly in the community going door to door as they responded to a 911 call reporting cries for help in the area. According to police, officers approached the Carr residence as part of their investigation into the 911 call. When the door opened, the family’s dogs ran outside, and Zeta, described as a sweet and protective dog, barked at the officers. The officer reportedly perceived Zeta as a potential threat and discharged his service weapon, fatally wounding the pet.

The Carr family strongly disagrees with the officer’s assessment, stating that Zeta was not aggressive and had merely barked, as she would at any visitor. “She was the sweetest dog we’ve ever owned,” Justin and Tessa Carr shared on Facebook. “She barked at the cops like she barks at anyone that has ever come to our house.”

Adding to the tragedy, the family’s three children witnessed the shooting, compounding their grief and confusion.

In the wake of the incident, the Carr family and supporters created a Facebook page, “Justice for Zeta,” to demand accountability and share their story. Many in the community have expressed outrage, questioning the officer’s decision to use lethal force on a barking dog.

The Carrs described Zeta as an integral part of their family, sharing photos of the dog playing with their children and highlighting her loving nature. “She meant the world to our family,” Tessa Carr wrote in a social media post. “My kids have so many questions, and I have so little answers. We’re vulnerable, we’re sick, we want our pup back.”

The Cobb County Police Department stated that the officer fired his weapon to protect himself from what he perceived as a threat. However, they did not release the officer’s name or details about any ongoing internal review of the shooting. The family and their supporters are calling for a full investigation into the incident and a review of the department’s protocols regarding interactions with animals.

This incident adds to a growing number of cases nationwide involving police shootings of pets, which often spark debates over the need for better training in animal encounters. Advocates for pet owners argue that non-lethal measures, such as Tasers or deterrents, should be employed whenever possible.

For now, the Carr family is focused on grieving their loss and seeking justice for Zeta, who they remember as more than a pet—a cherished member of their family.