The Cherokee Marshal’s Office’s new K-9 isn’t a typical law enforcement dog.
Reggie, a 1-year-old standard poodle, recently joined the Cherokee Marshal’s Office as a resource for education and community engagement.
Instead of looking for drugs or bombs, or tracking down a suspect, Reggie is there to help teach children on how to properly approach, treat and care for animals.
The marshal’s office hopes Reggie can help decrease animal attacks on children and animal neglect.
In 2023 alone, Cherokee County Animal Control responded to 176 animal attacks on adults and 15 on children. The marshal’s office began tracking animal attacks on children as a separate data point in October. During the same time period, animal control investigated 110 animal cruelty cases and 772 animal neglect cases.
Chief Marshal Jamie Gianfala and his team have been planning for an education program using a dog for about three years – the last 18 months being the most intensive. They researched breeds, training programs and certification programs. They found Tails for Hope, which donated Reggie, and Cherokee County took ownership last summer. His handler, Sgt. Renae Goggans, has been continually training with him, getting him ready for public appearances.