Holly Springs, Miss. (April 27, 2026) — In Defense of Animals is adding $2,500 to the reward the Sheriff’s Department is offering for tips leading to the arrest and conviction of the cowardly individual who shot and killed 7-year-old Dutch Shepherd K9 Officer Floki. Floki was in service patrolling the premises of the Marshall County Correctional Facility between two perimeter fences. His task was to prevent contraband from entering the facility grounds. 

On the morning of April 2, 2026, K9 Commander Josh Russell went to attend to Floki when he discovered him fatally shot in the back perimeter of the facility. It is estimated that he had been shot at 7:45 p.m. on Wednesday. 

Floki was trained in tracking, narcotics detection, and other responsibilities. 

MDOC Burl Cain personally offered a $1,000 reward for the arrest and conviction of the person who shot Floki. Cain told the media, “It’s a shame to kill a defenseless dog who was doing his job to help us keep contraband out of the prison,” Cain said. "It's just a shame to kill our dog."

The despicable person who killed Floki faces charges under Mississippi Code § 97-41-16 (Dog and Cat Protection Law). Intentionally torturing, killing, or seriously injuring a dog (including a K-9) with malice constitutes aggravated cruelty, which is a felony. The penalty is a maximum $5,000 fine and or a 5-year term in the penitentiary. 

“Taking the life of a K9 officer is a despicable act that deserves maximum sentencing. In Defense of Animals has aided law enforcement in Mississippi for 33 years, including past cruelty cases in Marshall County. All animal cruelty is abhorrent to us, but having aided in the region, Floki’s murder strikes a personal cord,’ said In Defense of Animals’ Justice for Animals Senior Campaigner Doll Stanley. 

Anyone with information should contact MCCF Supt. Frank Caswell or the prison's CID at 662-252-7111.

Contact: Doll Stanley, doll@idausa.org, (662) 809-4483

In Defense of Animals is an international animal protection organization based in Marin County, California, with over 250,000 supporters fighting for animals, people, and the environment through education and campaigns, as well as hands-on rescue facilities in California, India, South Korea, and rural Mississippi since 1983. www.idausa.org/justice4animals

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