Reality TV Fisherman Faces Serious Charges
Britton Shackelford, a prominent captain from the reality television series Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks, has been arrested and charged with felony animal cruelty. The 57-year-old fisherman was taken into custody following an investigation into the death of a dog.
The Incident and Investigation
According to the Dare County Sheriff’s Office, the incident unfolded on November 8. Deputies responded to a report of a missing dog that had been filed around 6 p.m. that same evening. A joint investigation by the Dare County Sheriff’s Office and Dare County Animal Control led to the discovery of a dog that had allegedly been shot and killed.
Law enforcement officials also located a firearm believed to have been used in the killing. During the course of the investigation, Sheriff's deputies identified Shackelford as the suspect and obtained an arrest warrant for him.
The Dare County Sheriff's Office stated that Shackelford was 'involved in the incident and discharged a firearm, resulting in the death of the animal'.
Charges and Current Status
Shackelford now faces serious legal consequences. He has been charged with felony cruelty to animals and a separate misdemeanour charge for allegedly discharging a firearm within 300 yards of an occupied dwelling.
Following his arrest, Shackelford was held at the Dare County Sheriff’s Office Detention Center. He made his first court appearance and is currently being held on a $7,000 secured bond. The Daily Mail reported that attempts to reach Shackelford for comment have so far been unsuccessful.
Shackelford's Television Career and Business
Britton Shackelford is best known for his role on the National Geographic Channel spinoff, Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks. The series, which followed fishermen from North Carolina and Virginia hunting for Atlantic bluefin tuna, aired from 2014 until its conclusion in 2024.
Shackelford featured as the captain of his boat, the Doghouse, for six seasons of the show. Outside of television, his LinkedIn profile indicates he has owned and operated Doghouse Sportfishing since 1999.
His business offers fishing trips aboard the 61-foot custom-built boat, with excursions for up to six passengers costing approximately $2,600.
