Investigation requested at Stoddard County Sheriff's Department

DEXTER, Mo. — A formal investigation has been requested at the Stoddard County Sheriff's Department regarding the handling of a call involving an injured dog.

Both Stoddard County Prosecutor Sawyer Smith and Stoddard County Sheriff Carl Hefner submitted their request for the investigation to the Missouri State Highway Patrol on Tuesday, Aug. 29.

The Stoddard County Sheriff's Department said in a social media post that a call was received at approximately 1 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 27 regarding an injured dog in the rural Dexter area.

“I respectfully request, from your agency, an independent investigation regarding a potential criminal situation involving an incident within our County Government,” said Hefner in his request for an investigation. “A deputy was dispatched to a residence on Sunday August 27, 2023 about an injured dog that was later euthanized. Several concerns have been raised about the handling of this call and accusations have been made about criminal wrongdoing. I feel the alleged criminal accusation would be a conflict for our office to investigate.”

Smith also released his request via social media.

“I am requesting an official investigation into the Stoddard County Sheriff's Department regarding events that took place on or about August 27, 2023, which involved a deputy shooting a dog at Otter Slough Conservation Area,” said Smith in his request. 

“My responsibility as the elected prosecutor is to conclusively evaluate whether the law enforcement involved in this situation acted within their scope of legal authority,” Smith continued. “And whether they abided by applicable Missouri Statute(s).”

Smith thanked the Missouri Highway Patrol on behalf of the citizens of Stoddard County and his office for any assistance they can provide.

No further details regarding the case were released at this time.