Published: September 10, 2008 11:40 am      

Seized dogs euthanized

SHELBYVILLE — The 23 pit bulls seized from a Stewardson man’s home on Aug. 19 were euthanized Tuesday after the man accused of abusing the dogs failed to pay fines for the care of the dogs.

In a Monday hearing in Shelby County Circuit Court, it was discovered Matthew Dalton, 34, failed to pay $3,000 for the care of the pit bulls. A judge then ordered the dogs to either be put up for adoption or be euthanized.

Shelby County State’s Attorney Allan Lolie said the dogs were euthanized Tuesday.

According to state statute, if any animal is malnourished or maltreated, it can be put up for adoption or euthanized if the owner does not take responsibility for the animals, said Lolie.

George Donley, Shelby County animal control officer, called the Department of Agriculture and U.S. Humane Society to see about the possibility of adopting the dogs out. According to Lolie, Donley was advised to euthanize the dogs because they were malnourished and were trained to kill other dogs.

Lolie said Donley abided by what authorities advised him to do, adding this was not a case Donley relished.

According to Lolie, the dogs couldn’t be kept in the same pens in the Shelby County Animal Shelter because they would kill each other.

He said he has seen how the dogs react around each other, having witnessed two of the dogs chewing through a chainlink fence trying to get to each other.

Lolie doesn’t believe this is a case specific to a dog breed, saying any animal can be trained to kill, not just pit bulls.

“It’s a sad case,” he said.

Donley could not be reached for comment by presstime.

The dogs were seized on Aug. 19, along with more than 10 pounds of cannabis, after two searches of Dalton’s residence. Dalton was arrested after the second search. He is facing 15 counts of dog fighting and animal cruelty charges, alongside a felony drug charge.Dalton’s next court appearance is set for Sept. 29.

Jackie Gorski can be reached at 217-347-7151 ext. 136 or at jackie.gorski@effinghamdailynews.com.