An animal cruelty charge has been dropped against an ex-Texas sheriff's deputy who was fired after shooting a farm dog and the pet was later euthanized.
Former Rains County Deputy Jerrod Dooley appeared in court Thursday in Emory and said he's permanently surrendered his law enforcement license.
Dooley also apologized for shooting the blue heeler named Candy. Dooley said he was bitten before by another dog and that left him fearful of an attack.
Dooley in April answered a burglary call near Point, 50 miles east of Dallas. Dooley has said the dog charged at him before he fired. The distraught owner then euthanized the wounded animal.
Dooley was fired after he and the sheriff's office received threats following the incident, part of which was recorded by patrol car video.
