More than a dozen canines were seized by authorities in Pettis County in June.

According to a KMMO coverage on June 11, the incident included numerous innocent citizens getting bit by dogs near Covered Bridge Estates. Anders obtained a court order to seize the dogs and requested assistance from the City of Sedalia’s animal shelter.

According to a statement from Sheriff Anders, he said, “Believing we were only seizing no more than six dogs, I agreed to a rate of $40 per day for the care and maintenance of these dogs, while the court process ensued. A hearing was held in July, in which a judge ordered the animals evaluated by a licensed vet to determine whether or not they could be salvaged/adopt or deemed unfit to live (euthanized).”

Sheriff Anders said following the hearing, the city advised they were not willing to assist with the animals’ evaluation nor would they provide their vet to make such determination.

In September, the Sheriff’s Office received a bill of $77,000 for the housing of the dogs.

Sheriff Anders said, “It is important that I relay all information [to the public] when it comes to how your tax dollars are utilized.” He continued, “I have not paid this bill. I do not have an extra $77,000 lying around in my budget. Yes, I agreed to this rate and no, I did not think it would be 16 dogs seized.”

Moving forward Sheriff Anders said, “This is a tough lesson learned, and involved the utilization of your tax dollars in a manner not intended. For that, I am sorry, but regarding the seizure of these dogs and the protection of those within this entire county, including the city, I would make that same decision again. The only issue, now, is where will I turn when, and if such, an incident arises in the future.”

KMMO reached out to City Administrator Kelvin Shaw and has not received a response at this time. No further information is available.