NEWS RELEASE

CANTON, GA (Dec. 7, 2022) – The Cherokee Marshal’s Office executed a search warrant Dec. 6 at a home at 6336 Union Hill Road as part of an animal investigation.

Randall Larry Thaxton

The investigation began with a request for a welfare check on the animals. The Cherokee County Marshal’s Office conducted a welfare check, and probable cause was found to obtain a search warrant. Evidence located during the execution of the search warrant led to the arrest of the resident, Randall Larry Thaxton, 58.

Thaxton is charged with nine counts of felony dog fighting, and nine counts of misdemeanor cruelty to animals.

Nine dogs were removed from the property, along with other evidence relevant to the case. With the assistance of the Cherokee Animal Shelter, the animals were removed from the premises.

The case remains active and ongoing. No further information is available at this time.

ABOUT CHEROKEE COUNTY

Located 30 miles north of downtown Atlanta, Cherokee County is part of the 11-county metro-Atlanta area. Cherokee County boasts a population of more than 279,000, according to the 2022 Atlanta Regional Commission population estimates. It is the one of the fastest growing counties in the metro region and its overall Board of Commissioners-controlled tax burden per capita is one of the lowest in the region. Cherokee County has world-class parks and recreational facilities, is a destination for corporate headquarters and is a great place to live, work and play. Cherokee County is the best of both worlds because it’s where “Metro Meets the Mountains.” Learn more at cherokeega.com.