Georgia Man Charged With Felony Animal Cruelty After Dog Shot and Abandoned in Public Park

A Cobb County, Georgia man is facing felony animal cruelty charges after investigators say he shot his own dog in the head and left the animal abandoned at a local park, according to reporting from FOX 5 Atlanta.

Authorities say 31-year-old Dauson Womack was arrested and charged with aggravated animal cruelty following an investigation into a severely injured dog discovered at Lost Mountain Park on December 2. The dog, though gravely wounded, survived the initial gunshot and was found by a park visitor near a dumpster shortly after the incident.

Cobb County Animal Services confirmed the dog was rushed for care, but the injuries were so extensive that humane euthanasia was ultimately required.

Investigation Reveals Prior Veterinary Visit

According to investigators, the case took a critical turn when animal control officers contacted veterinary clinics in the surrounding area. They located a veterinarian approximately nine miles away who had examined the dog days before the shooting.

That veterinarian had reportedly recommended humane euthanasia due to the dog’s medical condition. Authorities say Womack declined that recommendation.

Investigators believe Womack later took the dog into the woods at Lost Mountain Park and shot the animal himself before leaving the scene.

“There are better options than to take your dog to a park and shoot it,” said Stephen Hammond, director of Cobb County Animal Services, in a statement to FOX 5 Atlanta. He noted that the dog did not die immediately and suffered significantly before help arrived.

A Broader Reminder About Access to Help

Animal welfare officials emphasized that financial hardship or difficult medical decisions should never lead to violence against an animal. Hammond noted that Cobb County Animal Services can connect pet owners with lower-cost veterinary care and resources when they are struggling.

Cases like this continue to underscore the importance of accessible support systems for pet owners facing overwhelming circumstances — a challenge that extends well beyond Georgia.

Resources for Las Vegas Pet Owners Who Need Help

In Southern Nevada, multiple organizations exist to help pet owners avoid reaching a breaking point. These programs focus on keeping pets with their families whenever possible by addressing food insecurity, veterinary costs, and temporary housing challenges.

Pet Food Assistance in Las Vegas

• The Animal Foundation – Community Pet Food Pantry
• Street Dogz – Unhoused Assistance for People & Pets
• Hearts Alive Village – Community Support Programs

Low-Cost and Emergency Veterinary Care

• Hearts Alive Village – Veterinary Services
• The Animal Foundation – Low-Cost Vet Clinic

Housing and Crisis Support for Pet Owners

• SafeNest – Domestic Violence Suvivor Help With Pets
• The Animal Foundation – Pet Retention Program

When Help Is Needed, Earlier Is Better

Animal welfare professionals consistently stress that reaching out early — before a situation becomes desperate — can make the difference between safety and tragedy.

Las Vegas-area shelters and nonprofits encourage pet owners facing financial strain, medical decisions, or housing instability to seek assistance rather than handling those challenges alone. Many services exist specifically to prevent pets from being harmed, abandoned, or surrendered during moments of crisis.

As this Georgia case moves through the court system, it stands as a stark reminder of why accessible, compassionate resources matter — and why knowing where to turn can save lives.