On June 9, Macon County Sheriff's Sgt. Danny Gross was dispatched to 1500 Old Highway 52 concerning two dogs chained up. One of the dogs had died.

Sgt. Gross spoke with a neighbor, Roger Geefer, who showed him where the dogs had been chained. Sgt. Gross reported that the dogs had no food and the water bowl was completely dry. The deceased animal was a St. Bernard. Geefer stated that the other dog, a Bluetick Coonhound, could not stand when he first found the animals. He stated that he gave him some water and food and the dog got up and attempted to move around.

Sgt. Gross stated in his report that the dogs belonged to Samuel Petty. Reportedly, Petty has not been at the residence since June 2, seven days from the time he left until the time of the report.

Deputy Tonya Wilson was also dispatched to the scene. She reported that at 2:30 p.m. the mother and step-father of Petty stated that the family had phoned them the night before and asked them to care for the animals. The step-father called the MCSD and stated he would notify the owner that the dog was dead and that it had to be removed. He also stated he would tell the owner that the other dog needed to be properly cared for.

No arrests have been made following this incident.

Summer heat is already upon the residents of Macon County and authorities are urging people to be responsible for their animals and make sure they are properly fed and have plenty of water during the hot days of summer.