CUMBERLAND DEPUTIES DEAL WITH AGGRESSIVE DOG (DOG FOUND NOT RABID)
Update:
A statement provided by the dog owner confirmed that the dog was tested for rabies, and the results came back negative. What affliction led to the canine’s behaviour change is still unknown.
Original Story:
On April 28, 2025, at 22:54, Cumberland County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a call at 338 Fairway Street, Crossville, TN, regarding an aggressive dog, Apollo, that attacked its owner and trapped him in a room. The owner sustained defensive bite marks on his hands but refused EMS. His wife escaped the bedroom, and the owner exited through a window. The dog, which had been with the family since it was a puppy, showed no prior aggression but had recently exhibited unusual behavior such as a changed appetite and excessive drooling after a rabies vaccination and possible contact with a wild animal, raising concerns about rabies.
Deputies and Animal Control officers, including Jessica McCoy and D. Grove, arrived around 23:48. After attempting to subdue the dog with OC spray, Animal Control used catch poles and a K9 trap to secure Apollo and placed him in an outdoor kennel. The owners were advised that Animal Control would not transport the dog to a shelter, as it was their responsibility. On April 29, the owners decided to euthanize Apollo and arranged for a veterinarian in Fairfield Glade to perform the procedure. Animal Control transported the dog to the vet, where it was euthanized.
The County Health Department was notified, and Apollo’s body was sent for rabies testing, with results expected in 2-3 days. The owner later visited the ER for his injuries, receiving antibiotics and bandages. The case is closed pending test results, which may require further medical treatment for the owner.
