Neighbors concerned about metro Atlanta county commissioner’s pit bulls after attacks

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County neighbors are concerned about a family’s pit bulls that they say have gotten loose and attacked multiple dogs.

The attacks happened more than a year ago, but neighbors say they just learned the pit bulls are back.

The dog owner is a county commissioner, Kerry Hill.

Neighbors said they had been told the dogs were removed from the home after the latest attack, though the commissioner said the dogs were quarantined, not removed.

Angela Thompson’s home security camera captured a violent dog attack last January.

The footage shows her neighbor’s dogs going after a goldendoodle on Aldrich Drive.

“You’re hearing his dog being torn open. I think it had stitches down its neck and stayed quite a few days in the hospital,” Thompson said.

A report from Forsyth County Animal Control reveals the dogs involved are pit bull mixes belonging to Comm. Hill.

“It was scary,” said a neighbor – who did not want her face or name shown. She says her dog was also attacked by Hill’s pit bulls two years ago.

“Every single one of her pads on her feet from running so fast were hanging like blister. They were able to grab her side and rip it open, had 17 stitches,” she said.

But neighbors say to add insult to injury, five days after the most recent attack, Hill voted to change an ordinance that would modify the classification of a dangerous dog to potentially dangerous if it does not kill.

“I think it was a conflict of interest,” Thompson said.

Hill provided an extensive statement to Channel 2’s Cory James in response to resident concerns:

Two of my rescue dogs, Cranberry and Bean, were involved in incidents with a neighbor’s dog after they accidentally escaped from our yard. These incidents occurred in 2024 and early 2025 and were addressed immediately and thoroughly at that time. As their owner, I take full responsibility and understand the concern this caused and how upsetting it was for those involved. We fully complied with all Forsyth County requirements, including quarantine protocols and citations. A third-party evaluation determined that the dogs do not meet the legal classification of dangerous or vicious under county guidelines. We also took immediate action to ensure this never happens again. Both Cranberry and Bean have completed extensive training, including advanced off-leash training and certification through the AKC Canine Good Citizen program. Bean also completed a three-month intensive training program, and we continue daily training reinforcement at home for all of our dogs. We’ve also made multiple modifications to our property, including reinforcing all entrances and fencing, to eliminate any risk of escape. Like so many people, I care deeply about rescuing dogs like Cranberry and Bean. It’s difficult to see incidents that were responsibly addressed brought back up as political fodder, and in a way that contributes to the stigma that keeps so many of them in shelters.
— Kerry Hill