Commerce Dog Owner Cited After Social Media Posts Raise Animal Welfare Concerns

COMMERCE, Ga. – A Commerce dog owner has been cited after social media posts raised concerns about a dog being kept in an undersized cage during inclement weather, according to city officials.

The City of Commerce and the Commerce Police Department said officers first responded to a residence on Lewis Circle on Aug. 2 after receiving reports of a possible animal welfare issue.

When officers arrived to conduct a welfare check, no dog was found in the backyard and no one answered the door. Later, city staff received photographs showing a brown dog confined in a small cage behind the home.

The following morning, officers with Jackson County Animal Control and Commerce Code Enforcement returned to the residence and made contact with the dog’s owner and the dog, identified as “Lilo,” a brown pit bull mix.

Officials said Lilo appeared to be in good health, displaying normal energy, healthy activity and affection toward the owner. Officers also observed that the dog had access to clean water and appropriate food and showed no signs of distress.

The owner told authorities that Lilo is both an indoor and outdoor dog.

Although the dog was found to be in good condition, Jackson County Animal Control issued the owner a citation for failure to provide adequate shelter.

Within 24 hours of the citation, animal control officers conducted a follow-up inspection and found the owner had obtained a new doghouse and water bowl, addressing the shelter concerns identified during the earlier inspection.

The citation remains pending until it is resolved in court.

City officials encouraged residents to report concerns involving human or animal welfare by calling 911 to ensure a timely response.

Anyone with questions regarding animal welfare in Jackson County can contact Jackson County Animal Control at (706) 367-5480.