In a quiet Raleigh neighborhood, a tragic incident has ignited a firestorm of controversy and raised serious questions about law enforcement practices. On the morning of April 10, 2025, a Wake County Sheriff’s deputy entered the home of Paige Briggs without permission and fatally shot her 4-year-old dog, Zelda. The deputy was attempting to serve a civil process warrant at the time. This event has not only devastated the Briggs family but also sparked a broader debate about the limits of police authority and the sanctity of private property.
A Family’s Worst Nightmare
According to reports, the deputy approached the Briggs residence on Lord Berkley Road to serve legal documents. Security footage provided by Paige Briggs shows the deputy knocking on the door, calling out, and then entering the unlocked home. No one was home at the time—Briggs was out of town, her husband at work, and their four children at school. Moments after entering, the deputy encountered Zelda, who was heard barking off-camera. The deputy then shot Zelda four times, resulting in her death .
Briggs expressed her anguish and disbelief, stating, “I believe that’s a violation. He had no right to enter my home.” The family’s grief has been compounded by the lack of immediate answers and accountability.
Official Response and Public Outcry
The Wake County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the shooting, stating that the deputy was bitten by the dog during the service of the civil process warrant. The deputy has been placed on administrative leave pending further investigation . Sheriff Willie Rowe held a brief news conference but disclosed few details, citing the ongoing investigation .
The incident has drawn significant public attention, with many questioning the deputy’s actions and the department’s response. Social media platforms have been flooded with calls for justice, and local advocacy groups are demanding a thorough and transparent investigation.
A Broader Pattern of Concern
This incident is not isolated. Across the country, there have been numerous reports of law enforcement officers using lethal force against family pets during routine operations. A study by the Department of Justice estimates that American police officers shoot approximately 10,000 pet dogs in the line of duty each year, though the actual number may be higher due to underreporting .
In a notable case, a Maryland family filed a federal lawsuit after police officers entered their apartment without a warrant and fatally shot their dog, Hennessey. The lawsuit alleges that the officers’ actions constituted excessive force and violated the family’s constitutional rights .
The Call for Reform
The tragic death of Zelda has reignited discussions about the need for reform in law enforcement practices, particularly regarding the use of force and respect for private property. Advocates are calling for mandatory training for officers on how to handle encounters with pets, as well as clear policies that prioritize de-escalation and the preservation of life.
For the Briggs family, the loss of Zelda is a personal tragedy that has left an indelible mark. For the community, it serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences when law enforcement oversteps its bounds. As the investigation continues, many are watching closely, hoping that this incident will lead to meaningful change and greater accountability.
Note: This article is part of The Bull City Citizen’s ongoing commitment to investigative journalism and community advocacy. We will continue to follow this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.
