The Summerville Veterinarian Office has addressed discrepancies in Sole Commissioner Blake Elsberry’s investigation regarding the case of a dog involved in a controversy with Chattooga County Animal Control.

The vet office clarified that the dog, owned by the Ragland family, named Kodak, was never tested for rabies and was euthanized on September 25, 2024, not on September 24 as initially reported. The vet staff was unaware of Kodak’s aggressive behavior towards another dog at the shelter, which was only revealed during a meeting on October 7, twelve days after Kodak was euthanized.

Kodak’s owner, Payton Ragland, was misinformed by Animal Control Director Mark Finster, who told her that Kodak had escaped when he had actually been euthanized and disposed of in a landfill.

Lack of communication and transparency between Animal Control and the vet office was highlighted, with the vet staff emphasizing the importance of receiving accurate information to protect their employees. Commissioner Elsberry has not addressed the inconsistencies in his investigation or the meeting with the vet staff and Animal Control.

Documents provided on October 15 include employee timesheets, intake form for the dog killed by Kodak, and disposal ticket for the same dog.

The Summerville Vet office aims to clarify the situation for the public and the Ragland family, advocating for increased transparency from the county government in the future to ensure proper treatment of animals and safety of staff.