Henry County amends animal code to require microchipping of impounded pets; commissioners later order euthanasia for two pit-bull mixes

The Henry County Board of Commissioners on June 17 approved an amendment to the county’s animal code to require microchipping of impounded animals and then, after a separate dangerous-dog hearing, voted to euthanize two American Pit Bull Terrier–type mixed dogs that animal control had designated dangerous.

Captain Michael Hobgood, director of Henry County Animal Care and Control, introduced the ordinance change, saying the proposed code amendment would require all impounded animals to be microchipped prior to an owner reclaim; the implantation procedure takes under two minutes and the department charges $10, Hobgood said. He told the board that each animal adopted from the shelter already is microchipped and that officers carry scanners to identify owners in the field; last year his personnel handled 524 reclaims.

The board approved the microchipping ordinance on a voice vote.

Later in the meeting the board held a public hearing on two American Pit Bull Terrier–type mixes impounded after multiple complaints and reported bite incidents beginning in June 2024. Captain Hobgood presented the background incidents, including two bite reports in April 2025 and video evidence of dogs running unrestrained and attacking other people and pets. Victim Nancy Redding told the board she had required medical care and described community safety concerns. Owner Geisha Adorno acknowledged repeated gate and door escapes and said she would be willing to surrender the male dog ("Beast") but asked that the female ("Beauty") not be classified as dangerous.

Shelter operations supervisor Bert Merchant told the board shelter staff had observed aggressive, resource-guarding behavior and that kennel staff sometimes move the animals with catch poles rather than leashes. County staff recommended the animals be deemed dangerous and ultimately recommended humane euthanasia because staff considered them unsuitable for return to the public.

County Attorney Rachel Mack asked the board to reconsider an initial vote to ensure the record captured whether euthanasia was intended. After reopening the hearing, commissioners discussed options including returning one dog under strict conditions and euthanizing the other. The board took a final vote and directed animal care and control to humanely euthanize both animals.

Commissioners and county staff outlined the statutory and county-code restraints for dangerous dogs: only one dog classified as dangerous may be kept per domicile, owners must confine and restrain classified dogs in secure enclosures, display warning signs, microchip the animal, maintain required vaccinations and pay an annual certificate fee; failure to comply or further attacks would subject the animal to additional enforcement up to humane euthanasia.

The microchipping ordinance becomes part of Henry County’s animal-control code; the euthanasia decision was an administrative action of the board following a public hearing and the animal-control review process.