Former Police Dog Found Malnourished, Owner Charged with Cruelty

Nero, a retired K-9 officer, was transferred to a family member after his handler's hospitalization, leading to neglect allegations.

Mar. 24, 2026 at 8:54am

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A recent case in Unicoi County, Tennessee, involving a severely malnourished former police dog named Nero has brought to light the complexities of animal ownership transitions and the importance of animal welfare safeguards. Nero was originally handled by former police chief Nick Hughes, but was later transferred to a family member, Lillianna Long, 19, who was charged with animal cruelty after the dog was found in a severely emaciated state.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges that can arise when working animals like K-9 officers are transferred to new owners, particularly when the original handler leaves their position. It underscores the need for more formalized processes and legal protections to ensure the continued care and welfare of these specialized animals.

The details

Nero was never officially certified as a K-9 officer for the Town of Unicoi, but arrived at the department with former police chief Nick Hughes. After Hughes was hospitalized and had a foot amputated in September 2025, he transferred 'personal ownership' of Nero to a family member, Lillianna Long. Long was charged with animal cruelty on March 16, 2026, after the dog was found in a severely emaciated state. The Unicoi County Sheriff's Office initiated an internal investigation into Hughes' actions, but recused itself from the animal cruelty investigation due to a conflict of interest.

  • In September 2025, former police chief Nick Hughes was hospitalized and had a foot amputated.
  • In March 2026, Lillianna Long was charged with animal cruelty after Nero was found malnourished.

The players

Nero

A former police K-9 officer who was transferred to a family member after his original handler, Nick Hughes, left the police department.

Nick Hughes

The former police chief of the Town of Unicoi who originally handled Nero, but later transferred 'personal ownership' of the dog to a family member.

Lillianna Long

The 19-year-old family member to whom Nick Hughes transferred ownership of Nero, and who was charged with animal cruelty after the dog was found malnourished.

Tammy Ray

Nero's original handler at the Jonesborough Police Department, who plans to adopt Nero and provide him with a loving retirement.

Unicoi County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that initiated an internal investigation into Nick Hughes' actions, but recused itself from the animal cruelty investigation due to a conflict of interest.

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What they’re saying

“He was family.”

— Tammy Ray

What’s next

The Unicoi County General Sessions Court has not yet received arrest documentation for Lillianna Long, demonstrating potential delays in the legal process. Advocacy groups are pushing for legislation that specifically addresses the welfare of retired police and military dogs, which could include provisions for continued care, financial support, and legal recourse in cases of neglect.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for more formalized processes and legal protections to ensure the continued care and welfare of working animals like K-9 officers when their original handlers depart. It also underscores the importance of community vigilance and the responsiveness of animal welfare organizations in identifying and addressing cases of potential neglect or abuse.