The Cherokee Marshal's Office is taking a unique approach to community policing by adding a standard poodle named Reggie to their K-9 unit. Unlike traditional police dogs trained to track suspects or detect contraband, Reggie's role focuses on education and outreach in an effort to reduce animal attacks and neglect in Cherokee County. According to a report by Atlanta News First, this initiative comes as the county has seen a worrying uptick in such incidents, with 176 adult and 15 child attacks recorded in 2023.
Last year's tallies have stirred the Marshal's Office to slowly leverage Reggie in a bid to to raise awareness on interacting with animals safely, particularly among children. The office hopes to also provide comfort to those nervous about giving police statements and to reach out to the elderly in assisted living facilities. Chief Marshal Jamie Gianfala, in a statement obtained by WSBTV, said, "If we can teach children and educate children how to properly interact, deal and take care of animals we’re going to be ahead of the game."
Reggie was donated to the office last summer by Tails for Hope, a service dog training facility in Meriwether County. His handler, Sgt. Renae Goggans, has been working closely with him since, ensuring that he is well-prepared for various public engagements. "Reggie is special," Goggans said, echoing Gianfala's sentiments in a statement obtained by Atlanta News First. "He brings calm to a storm, and I’ve seen what he can do. I don’t want to see another child or adult bitten or another animal neglected. I can’t wait to see what Reggie can do for our community."
The Marshal's Office also emphasized that Reggie's involvement comes at no cost to taxpayers. Reggie received an AKC Good Citizen Certification, and his veterinary care is being donated by the Animal Medical & Surgical Center in Canton. Gianfala affirmed that the donation of Reggie by Tails for Hope means there's "no cost to the Cherokee County taxpayers." Sgt. Goggans told WSBTV, "Reggie and I love going out in the community but it gives him the opportunity to be petted and it gives me the opportunity to talk about animal control and being a responsible pet owner."
Residents of Cherokee County can expect to see the poodle alongside Sgt. Goggans at various public events and within educational settings. Reggie's calm demeanor and unique role aim to not merely change perceptions but to actively mold behaviors towards a safer and more empathetic coexistence with the animal members of the community.
