Earlier this week, the St. Joseph Police Department received a complaint regarding chickens being attacked by a dog described as a pit bull mix in the Davis Street area.

After investigating, officers determined the dog belonged to a resident on North Main Street. On Wednesday, May 27, 2026, SJPD officers located the adult female dog on the porch of a residence at 202 North Main Street and contacted Lawrence County Animal Control for assistance.

While awaiting Animal Control, officers learned the dog had recently given birth to puppies. Officers later located the owner at another North Main Street residence and escorted him back to the scene. The owner cooperated fully with officers and Animal Control personnel as the adult dog was safely secured.

The owner also led officers and Animal Control inside the residence, where 11 puppies, believed to be only a few weeks old, were located. The adult dog and the puppies were transported to Lawrenceburg and turned over to the Lawrence County Animal Shelter for care and rehoming.

The homeowner was cited for multiple ordinance violations, including dogs roaming at large. The owner will also be responsible for reimbursing the victim for the loss of the birds.

SJPD recently handled a similar case in the Depot Street and Bluff Road area involving quail that were killed by another dog. In that case, officers located the dog, and with the owner’s assistance, safely captured the animal and turned it over to Lawrence County Animal Control. That dog had puppies as well, including one that was transported with the adult female to FOLCA. The owner had previously surrendered three other puppies to the animal shelter in Florence, Alabama.

In both cases, the dog owners were cited and will be responsible for reimbursing the victims for the loss of their fowl.

The City of St. Joseph and the St. Joseph Police Department sincerely thank Lawrence County Animal Control Officer Jerrod Curtis and the Lawrence County Animal Shelter for their assistance. Their cooperation helped ensure these animals were safely handled, properly cared for, and given the opportunity to be rehomed.

These situations are a reminder that keeping St. Joseph clean, safe, and responsible takes all of us. Animals should be properly cared for, properly confined, and not allowed to roam onto neighboring properties. When animals run loose, they can harm livestock, damage property, create safety concerns, and place the animals themselves at risk.

The City is asking every resident to do their part. Take care of your animals. Keep your property clean. Secure your dogs. Respect your neighbors. Help us protect the quality of life in St. Joseph.

The City of St. Joseph will continue enforcing local ordinances fairly and consistently. Our goal is simple: a cleaner, safer community where residents are protected, animals are cared for, and everyone does their part.