On June 18, Sheriff's Sgt. David Ellis and Animal Control Officer Red Harrell spotted two pit bull dogs tethered to trees with logging chains at 129 Linda Ave.

About 3 weeks prior, Juan Balderas, the owner of the dogs, was warned by Officer Harrell that tethering the dogs was a violation of the Decatur County Animal Control Ordinance.  On June 18, the two dogs were confiscated and taken to the Decatur County Animal Shelter for safe keeping.

After five days, Mr. Balderes went to the shelter, claimed the two dogs, and paid the fee for sheltering them.   At that time, Animal Control Officer Harrell issued a citation to Mr. Balderes with a mandatory court appearance on Wednesday, July 1.