Clayton County Animal Control in Georgia is facing protests and scrutiny following the euthanasia of a pit bull named Barney, whose head was removed for rabies testing. The incident has sparked questions about whether the shelter followed state protocols for euthanasia and rabies testing.
Barney, a two-year-old pit bull, arrived at the shelter as a stray on January 21. Shelter records described him as "people-friendly" and "very sweet," and he reportedly showed no aggression during his more than three weeks in custody. A rescue organization, Poor Paws, had arranged to take him on February 12.
According to Clayton County Police, Barney attacked a kennel employee and a state inmate after workers implanted a microchip prior to his scheduled release. Both individuals sustained bites requiring reconstructive surgery. Police stated that these attacks occurred despite Barney "not previously shown any aggressive tendencies toward staff."
Barney was euthanized the following day, February 13. Officials explained that his head was removed for rabies testing, a requirement by Georgia's public health lab for brain tissue analysis to detect the virus.
Surveillance footage, obtained by the Shelter Reform Network through an open records request, has fueled public outrage. The organization argued that Barney should have undergone the state's recommended 10-day rabies quarantine instead of being euthanized immediately. The video reportedly shows a veterinarian and veterinary technician removing Barney's head while his body was on a trolley in an open bay. The Shelter Reform Network also raised concerns about the apparent lack of personal protective equipment during the procedure, noting only gloves were visible.
Clayton County officials defended their actions, stating that immediate rabies testing allowed the injured workers and their physicians to make timely medical decisions. However, the controversy has focused on whether Barney should have completed the 10-day quarantine. Kennel records indicate Barney was euthanized on February 13 but also list him under bite quarantine through February 22.
Dr. Amanda Feldpausch, Georgia Deputy State Epidemiologist, stated that the preferred approach is generally to observe a biting dog for 10 days if it can be safely confined, to ensure it does not have rabies. Barney later tested negative for the virus five days after his death.
Further questions have been raised regarding the euthanasia method. Internal drug logs reviewed by Atlanta News First indicate the shelter veterinarian used intracardiac injections, commonly known as a "heart stick," in nearly 90 percent of euthanasia procedures between February 2025 and February 2026. Barney was euthanized using this method, which Georgia regulations generally reserve for unconscious animals. Animal advocates have argued that this procedure can cause pain if an animal is not fully unconscious, as it is typically reserved for unconscious animals according to Georgia regulations and American Veterinary Medical Association guidance.
An apparent discrepancy in Barney's timeline has also been noted. While shelter records show Barney was euthanized the day after the attack, an inspection report states that Capt. Kevin Hughes told inspectors Barney was euthanized "approximately 10 days" later.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture initially cited the shelter over its euthanasia procedures, but the violation was reportedly removed the same day, with county police describing it as an "observational comment" rather than a formal violation. Subsequent inspections found no violations. Clayton County has not been found responsible for wrongdoing in Barney's case.