Killing of dog left community divided in Clayton county

A Clayton County police officer killed a dog that was chasing a 13-year-old boy in a fatal shooting.

The incident sparked a deep division within a local neighbourhood as people are putting the relieved family of the child and the grieving owner of the pet dog side by side.

The incident occurred on August 21, 2025, on the Milestone Drive, where Police were informed that an aggressive animal was chasing a child.

Mudathir Kosoko was on his way home with his mother, Rasheedat Kosoko, when the dog attacked him. The 13-year-old didn’t did any provoking activity that might trigger the Rottweiler named Rocco.

“It was like he jumped out of a bush. Then the dog barked and started chasing me,” the boy shared.

The mother said that the hold incident was very horrific as she heard the cries of her young son. “Help, help, mommy!” Rasheedat Kosoko said.

An officer who was also a resident intervened. Police reported that the officer initially attempted to use non-lethal methods to lure the dog but he remained unsuccessful.

The child confirmed that the first officer used his baton and then pepper spray but the dog didn’t stop advancing towards him.

“When he used his baton, the dog didn’t want to stop coming,” Mudathir said. “Then he used his pepper spray, then I left.”

As the boy was rescued, he heard the single gunshot that killed the dog.

His mother thanked the officer for saving her child’s life. She said, “If the cop was not there, I don’t know if I would lose him or lose all the other children.”

On the other hand, the pet’s owner explained that the dog’s leash had broken free from her two-year-old while she was home.

“He was looking to play, that’s all he wanted to do, is play,” the grieving owner stated.

The community divides as they claim that there was no need to use lethal force. Some residents contend that the officer could have told the owner to resolve the situation without violence.

“Rocco didn’t deserve to lose his life,” the owner said.

The police department shared their official statement, saying, “Our officer was responding to a call about an aggressive animal chasing a child and first tried non-lethal options to stop the threat."

"This is a difficult situation, and we understand the concerns it raises. The incident is currently under review, and we remain committed to being transparent with our community as we work through this process.” the official statement claimed.