A Buchanan resident whose dogs allegedly escaped and killed two animals Saturday in Buchanan has been issued three tickets, according to Berrien County Prosecutor Michael Sepic.

The two dogs, described by police as pitbulls, allegedly got loose and killed a cat and a dog. One of the dogs was shot and killed by a Buchanan Police officer after the dog ran at the officer, according to a Buchanan Police report.

The other dog was secured by authorities and returned to its owner, Sade Blackwell.

Blackwell was issued two tickets for having a dog at large and one ticket for
having a dog without a license.

Also, Berrien County Judge Dennis Wiley signed an order for Blackwell to show cause — or plead her case — as to why the remaining dog should not be destroyed.

She is due in on the tickets on Aug. 15 and the show cause will be dealt with at the same time, according to Sepic.

Val Grimes, Berrien County Animal Control director, said a few things could happen as a result of the show cause hearing:

• Blackwell could be found not guilty

• The dog could be deemed dangerous, meaning Blackwell would have to follow certain requirements for having a dangerous dog

• The dog could be destroyed

“It will be up to the judge,” Grimes said.

The decision to pursue tickets against Blackwell was made by Berrien County Animal Control.

Grimes explained her decision.

“You have to take care of the situation. Even though the dog is dead, someone allowed the dog to run loose and it caused major damage,” she said. “Someone lost their beloved cat who was in their own yard on a leash and another person lost a dog that was on a leash tied up. Somebody is going to have to come forward for that. It is as simple as that. We can’t afford to have these dogs running loose in neighborhoods. It isn’t going to happen.”

If Blackwell is found guilty, Grimes said she could face fines between $100 and $200, depending on what the judge orders.

Grimes said the dog that was shot was not licensed and that any dog older than four months must be licensed.

If the dog is deemed a dangerous dog, Grimes said Blackwell would be required to do several things, including having the animal micro chipped, neutered and secured at all times.