Dog Bite and Attack Case Results.

After a seven-day trial, a Jefferson County jury returned a $10 million verdict on November 25, 2025 against a Hueytown police officer whose narcotics detection K9 viciously attacked a Jefferson County Sheriff's Deputy during routine training in May 2021.

Evidence presented at trial showed that, in the months leading up to the incident, the officer repeatedly failed to meet the minimum monthly training requirements for the narcotics detection dog. These requirements were mandated by both Hueytown policy and national standards.

Testimony further revealed that just weeks before the attack, the same K9 attacked a Hueytown jailer, sending her to the hospital. Following that incident, the officer's superiors ordered him to keep the dog muzzled at all times when it was around people.

On the day of the attack, however, the officer disregarded those orders. During the training exercise, the dog broke free from its lead and began running uncontrolled and unmuzzled before attacking the deputy.

Hollis, Wright & Clay, P.C. Partner Michael Eldridge and HWC Attorney Craig Shirley argued the case.