GORDON COUNTY, Ga. – A Georgia man has been arrested following an investigation into the death of a missing pet in the Resaca community, according to authorities.

Sheriff Mitch Ralston reported that on or around April 13, 2026, a resident contacted the Gordon County Sheriff’s Office to report her pet and service dog missing, with concerns the animal had been maliciously killed.

Detectives launched an investigation that led to the arrest of Joshua Brown, 39, of Resaca. Brown was charged with aggravated cruelty to animals and booked into the county jail.

Investigators believe the dog was killed with a firearm and that its remains were concealed in a wooded area sometime in February. Authorities said they have not determined a clear motive in the case.

The investigation has been completed and will be forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.