Outrage Erupts After Union County Sheriff Stands by Deputy Caught on Video Abusing K-9 — Protest and Petition Gain Momentum
In a now-viral video that got animal lovers and activists UPSET, former Salisbury Police Officer James Hampton is seen putting a leash around a K-9 named Zuul’s neck, lifting him off the ground, and basically dragging this poor pup like a rag doll back to the patrol car. Instead of being held criminally responsible, he’s now rocking a badge for Union County.
THE STREETS AIN’T HAVING IT: PROTEST HITS SEPTEMBER 20
A massive protest titled “Voices Against Hampton” is scheduled for Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 11AM to 2PM in front of the Union County Sheriff’s Office. The peaceful protest is to call out Sheriff Cathey’s decision to hire Hampton even after watching the clip of him going WWE on a K-9.
“We are gathering together to stand in a peaceful demonstration against Sheriff Eddie Cathey’s decision to hire James Hampton,” a the Facebook event page reads.
SHERIFF CATHEY’S “EXPLANATION” GOT PEOPLE EVEN MORE PISSED
In a long statement dropped on August 20, Sheriff Cathey tried to justify the move. He admitted he saw the video during Hampton’s background check and said it happened in September 2020 during a K-9 training session.
He said:
“This incident was thoroughly investigated by the appropriate authorities, including the Rowan County District Attorney’s Office, Sheriff Cathey said in his lenghty statement. “The investigation determined that there was sufficient evidence to support any criminal offense; therefore, no charges were filed and officer Hampton evenutally resigned from the Salisbury Police Department in the Spring of 2021.
He also claimed Hampton went on to serve four more years at another NC sheriff’s office before sliding into Union County in July 2025.
And then came the icing on the cake:
“I cannot and will not only consider a single factor when deciding whether an applicant is suitable for employment with my office.”
One resident responded to the sheriff’s statement and said:
“We appreciate the work done by the UCSO, but we will take this response into consideration when it’s time to cast our ballots again.”
Read the sheriff’s full statement below:
OVER 5,000 SIGNATURES DEMAND HIS REMOVAL
Not only are folks hitting the streets, but a Change.org petition is also gaining serious traction with over 5,000 signatures and counting. The petition calls for Deputy James Hampton’s resignation and for him to be held fully accountable for his actions against Zuul.
Read the petition HERE.
WATCH THE DISTURBING VIDEO BELOW:
2 thoughts on “North Carolina Sheriff Under Fire For Hiring Cop Who Choked K-9 On Leash – Protest Set For September”
This freak is a MONSTER. A short Napoleon wannabe taking out his self hatred on defenseless, trusting animals. May karma deal with him in the long run. He’s a subhuman maggot.
Justice for Zuul k-9 the police officer should be in jail the K-9 is a officer of law and this is animal abuse, justice for the k-9 -union county Sherriffs office of Monroe county NC shame on you and should be tougher laws for all animals that are attempted murder . Fire that monster !