Community Seeks Answers After Family Dog Euthanized; Sole Commissioner Elsberry Remains Silent

The heartbreaking story of Kodak, a beloved German Shepherd, has circulated widely on social media, capturing the attention of many as details of his tragic fate have emerged. This story, shared by Kodak’s owners, reflects their grief and frustration over the events that led to his untimely death—a tale of responsibility, deception, silence, and an irreplaceable loss.

Kodak’s Life and the Day He Was Taken by Chattooga County Animal Control

Kodak was more than just a dog; he was a friend to his family. Imagine that feeling if you have ever had a dog and loved it. Over the past three years, he brought joy to many. However, his owners admit that mistakes were made when properly managing Kodak.

Kodak was picked up by Chattooga County Animal Control on Tuesday, September 24, for being outside without a leash—a mistake that his owners have taken full responsibility for. 

The Search for Kodak

After Animal Control took Kodak, his owners spent days trying to locate and bring him back home. They made numerous attempts, calling both the shelter and personal contacts they had, but their calls and messages went unanswered. They went to meet with Mark Finster (animal control officer) at the shelter, and they arrived to find it closed and locked, with Mark never showing up. Eventually, when they finally met with Mark, he claimed that Kodak had escaped, even going so far as to show the owner where Kodak may have climbed the fence. 

The family was not notified about Kodak’s supposed escape.

Video of exchange at Animal Control: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/T5bRXL7zZ1N43wwy/

The Devastating Truth

It wasn’t until later that the truth emerged, thanks to the persistence of the owners and the Summerville Vet Clinic. According to the social media posts made by the owners, the clinic had been questioning Mark Finster and Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Blake Elsberry for days, trying to uncover what really happened to Kodak. Despite being met with repeated lies and fabricated stories about Kodak being a highly dangerous dog capable of escaping and shredding cages, the clinic finally confirmed what the owners feared most: Kodak had been euthanized shortly after being picked up.

In fact, he had not escaped; he was killed. And his carcass was taken to the transfer station and dumped out according to the truth that Animal Control finally told the family. The family did not receive the option to bury or cremate their beloved pet.

The truth revealed another disturbing reality. Kodak had not been given any chance to be reclaimed by his family. The family said he was a friendly dog who loved children, cats, and most other dogs. Kodak wore a collar, including an ESA tag and an Apple AirTag with the owner’s contact information.

The collar location was pinging at the Summerville Vet Clinic when Animal Control said Kodak had escaped, and the family began searching for him.  

If the collar had not pinged at the Vet Clinic, the owners still may not have known the truth about what happened.

The owner’s update shared widely, provided more heartbreaking details of the situation. Kodak was euthanized as soon as 24 hours after being picked up by Animal Control at the Summerville Veterinary Clinic. The owner went to the transfer station to ask when Animal Control took Kodak’s carcass there, but the information was unknown.

The Role of the Summerville Vet Clinic

The Summerville Vet Clinic, while not responsible for the euthanasia decision, has also expressed its dismay over how the situation was handled. They had questioned Animal Control about Kodak’s situation and insisted on transparency. This incident has affected the Ragland family and strained the clinic’s relationship with Animal Control and local authorities, highlighting the need for honesty and cooperation in such matters.

The Ragland Family’s Pursuit of Justice

The Ragland family, whose adult daughter Payton owned Kodak, is now seeking answers and accountability. They have engaged legal counsel—not for financial compensation, but to understand why this happened and to ensure those responsible are held accountable.

Despite their pain, Kodak’s owners have made it clear that they accept their part of the responsibility for the circumstances that led to this tragedy. They had plans to collect Kodak from Animal Control, take him to his appointment to be fixed, and then enroll him in obedience training. They acknowledge that these steps should have been taken months ago, but they still believed they would have the chance to make it right.

Unfortunately, they, at no fault of their own, were unable to do so.

A Community Outraged

This story has sparked outrage within the community. Many people are appalled by the apparent lack of communication, the deceit, and the unnecessary euthanasia of a family pet. 

A Message to Kodak

In their grief, the Ragland family shared a heartfelt message to Kodak. They apologized for their mistakes and expressed their regret that they were unable to save him. They believe that Kodak would forgive them and promised to keep his memory alive.

Seeking Answers and Accountability

WZQZ News and AllOnGeorgia have contacted Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Blake Elsberry for information regarding the incident. Despite multiple requests, Elsberry has yet to respond.

Below is the information request sent to Elsberry from AllOnGeorgia.

While Elsberry has remained silent, Commissioner Elect Andy Allen released the following statement: “I truly am sorry for what has transpired concerning Kodak the Ragland family dog. This is unacceptable and should never have happened. The family and community deserve full transparency, and accountability should be held. As Commissioner Elect, I promise to the people of this county a full investigation into this matter and hold those responsible accountable.” Allen takes office January 2, 2025. 

The Ragland family continues their pursuit of justice, seeking answers about why their beloved pet was taken and euthanized without their knowledge or consent and whether the county followed its Animal ordinance in this situation.

This tragic story is a painful reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership. If your dog is picked up in Chattooga County for being outside without a leash, there is a chance your dog will be euthanized. It reveals the need for transparency and accountability within the very systems meant to protect our pets. Kodak’s story is a testament to the bond between a family and their dog—a bond that was broken not by natural circumstances but by a system that failed them. The family’s fight for answers is not just about Kodak; it’s about ensuring no other family has to endure the same heartbreak.