Former Police K9 Found Severely Malnourished, 19-Year-Old Charged With Animal Cruelty

Nero, a former police K9 and Dutch Shepherd, was recently found in heartbreaking condition—severely underweight, suffering from hair loss, and in urgent need of care.

A photo of the former K9 lying on the grass, malnourished and sick with a tennis ball in his paws, has drawn widespread shock and condemnation from the public.

Nero, found emaciated and rescued by Unicoi County Animal Shelter

After receiving a tip, the Unicoi County Animal Shelter in Tennessee launched an investigation that led to animal cruelty charges against a 19-year-old Erwin woman who had been caring for Nero for the past two months.

Lillianna Long, 19, was charged with animal cruelty on March 16, 2026. Investigators say she admitted to being the dog’s sole caregiver during that time. She is scheduled to appear in court in April.

Nero’s story has raised many questions about how a once-trained police dog ended up in such poor condition—and in the care of a 19-year-old.

Nero previously served as a K9 officer with the town of Jonesborough, Tennessee, and later was transferred to the Unicoi to move with his then-handler former Unicoi Police Chief Nick Hughes. The nonprofit organization Paws in Blue, based in Jonesborough, contributed $4,500 in 2022 to help facilitate Nero’s purchase for the town of Unicoi.

However, according to the town of Unicoi, Nero was never officially certified or deployed there as a K9. “Nero arrived with former Police Chief Nick Hughes when Mr. Hughes took over as the Town of Unicoi Police Chief but was never officially certified as the K-9 for the town,” a statement from the Town of Unicoi said. “Upon the cessation of his employment, Mr. Hughes retained personal ownership of Nero.”

According to news reports, Hughes kept Nero after resigning as police chief. In late August 2025, Hughes was hospitalized with a serious medical condition and later underwent surgery, leaving him unable to care for the dog. Around September 2025, he placed Nero with a family member to ensure continued care.

Press release from Unicoi County Animal Shelter

Why Nero’s condition deteriorated in the months that followed remains unclear. Hughes stated he believed the dog was being cared for but was unable to access the property where Nero was kept due to an ongoing legal matter involving his former father-in-law. It is also unclear how Nero ultimately came into Long’s possession.

The sheriff’s office recused itself from the criminal investigation due to a conflict of interest and launched an internal review into Hughes. That investigation determined Hughes was not in possession of the dog at the time of the alleged mistreatment and that criminal responsibility rests with Long.

Tennessee special agents have also launched an independent investigation into the case.

Unicoi Mayor Kevin McInturff said he understands the public’s outrage. “People, they love their pets—and they should be taken care of,” McInturff said. “I saw the picture of the animal, and, I mean, it was ridiculous.”

As the investigation continues, Nero is being nursed back to health at the Unicoi County Animal Shelter.

While some details remain unclear, what is clear, is that action has been taken and accountability is underway.

The good news is that Nero is now safe and receiving treatment, with the community rallying behind him through donations and support. Once he recovers, he is expected to be reunited with his original handler, Tammy Ray, a former member of the Jonesborough and Erwin police departments.