DECATUR, Alabama - Morgan County Sheriff Ana Franklin plans to address criticism she has received on Facebook regarding the shooting death of a dog by the Morgan County Drug Task Force.

Franklin, who scheduled a 2:15 p.m. briefing today, said in a news release that she is considering legal action regarding the Facebook posts.

The task force was serving a search warrant last week when the dog was shot and killed. Franklin said in the news release that the task force had a search warrant for the sale and possession of narcotics and marijuana when the shooting happened.

"There is no one that loves animals more than I do," Franklin said. "This is a sad and unfortunate incident that I wish could have been avoided. The case is still open and I can't comment on the details, but I can say that the information that has been posted is false and we will seek legal actions about this. These images and posts were sent to inflame the public."

She said the real issue is the dog owner dealing drugs in an apartment complex where families and children lived.

"Our first priority is the safety and security of our deputies, as well as the suspects." Franklin said. "When there is a threat and an act of aggression to our officers, we will use the means necessary to stop that threat. I am angered that drug dealers would put their dogs in that position, and I am also angered that they forced us to take these actions."